Purpose of family:
Basically main role of a family towards the society is its continuity by both reproduction and interaction with each other. The main contribution of family to the society is society's continuation.
Types of families:
The family further divided into six types nowadays. Namely,
Nuclear FamilySingle ParentExtended FamilyChildless FamilyStep family
Grandparent Family
Defining each Family and their pros and cons :
1). Nuclear Family: The most basic kind of family is nuclear family based on two parents and their biological or adopted children. Number of children is variable, some have one and others have more than one. The main aim of the nuclear family is to up bring their kids and teach them how to socialize in the society.
Pros of nuclear family:
Both parents work and more likely financially stable Children gets more balanced parentingConcerned about educationFocus more on health issues both mental and physicalMore socialize in the society
Cons of nuclear family:
Higher level of stress factor due to increased number of dependentsHave higher rates of disputesChildren become egotistical due to over possessive parents
2). Single Parent: Consists of either a mother or a father living with one or more than one child. Parents may initially married, separated or departed, or passed away (one of them). Like other family structures single parents also have some pros and cons.
Pros of single parent:
Close relationship with each other due to less family membersMore responsible as duties are not being further divided.Both children and parents are strong and independent
Cons of single parent:
Less income due to sole parentMay relay on financial helpQuality living may compromise due to sole earningChildren become mentally unstable by living alternatively with parents (in divorced cases).
3). Extended Family: Basically extended families are joint families, in which grandparents, parents and children live together to support each other both financially and socially.
Pros of extended family:
More tolerance level among childrenCare and Respects for people older in age is practicedHave emotional supportHave social support
Cons of extended family:
Face more financial crises due to large number of members in a familyIntervening in personal matters with each other Low privacy
4).Childless Family: Partners who have no any children either by choice or due to infertility.
Pros of childless family:
More financially strongNo one to take care of More free to do basic thing like travelling, shopping and fun activitiesHave more chance to fulfill desired goal
Cons of childless family:
Develop fear of isolation by the time Society pressure (not having kids)Develop sense of lacking something important (infertile couples)
5). Step family:
When two families start living to gather, like two divorced people get married and living together with their children (from 1st partner).
Pros of step family:
Child gets advantage by living with both parentsFinancially stable due to two source of incomes
Cons of step family:
Feeling of living forcefully with second parentCouple fight often due to each other's children conflictchildren develop leas tolerance
6) Grandparent Family: In which grandchildren are raised by their grandparents.
Pros of grandparent family:
Children have strong relationship with their elderlyMore protective environment for children
Cons of grandparent family:
Less financially tableDifficult to raise children due to old age and related health issueBig age gap
Similarities and Differences:
By considering the pros and cons of different family structure we come to the point that many of them have some similarities like financial stability, strong bonding, and more socialization. Likewise there are few differences as well as some families share strong bond while other suffers from isolation. Some are more financially stable and others are less. Some have children while other are childless. Some children have both parents while other have single or step patent. Some of them have high tolerance while other has less. Some live quality life whiles other compromise on their needs and wants.
