Family Types
This type of family includes parents and their children only.
Nuclear Family
The family function that teaches norms, values, and culture.
Socialization
A legally recognized union between two adults.
Marriage
The most common type of union in many Caribbean countries.
Common-Law Union
Explain why the nuclear family is becoming less common in Caribbean societies.
Migration, Economic Challenges, Rising Single-Parent Families, etc.
A family structure that includes relatives such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Extended Family
The function where the family provides food, shelter, and clothing.
Economic/Provision
A union where partners live together without being legally married.
Common-Law Union
A family type common in rural communities where many relatives live together.
Extended Family
Evaluate the impact of common-law unions on stability in Caribbean households.
Open-ended (stability varies, economic issues, flexibility, etc.)
A family where children live with one parent only.
Single-Parent Family
The function where the family protects its members from harm.
Protective Function
A union where partners have children together but do not live together.
Visiting Relationship
A type of union often associated with matrifocal households where one partner visits the other.
Visiting Union
Compare the roles of the extended family and the nuclear family in supporting child development.
Open-ended (extended offers more support, etc.)
A family formed when two partners bring children from previous unions.
Blended Family
Ensuring the continuation of society through childbearing.
Procreation/Reproductive Function
A union recognized in some Caribbean islands where partners intend to marry but have limited financial means.
Consensual Union
A union historically influenced by African traditions during slavery.
Consensual Union
Discuss how gender roles influence family structure in the Caribbean.
Open-ended
A family where a child is legally taken in and raised but not biologically related.
Adoptive Family
This function supports emotional stability and mental well-being.
Emotional Support
Marriage to one partner at a time.
Monogamy
This family type is increasing due to migration and leaving one-parent households.
Single-Parent Family
Suggest ways governments can support single-parent families.
Open-ended (childcare, grants, employment programs, etc.)