Give detailed definition of different family types.

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Give detailed definition of different family types.

Give an account of the functions of the family.

Using a range of sources present some statistics on trends in relation to marriage and divorce and describe the changes that have taken place.

A family can be defined in different ways; according to George Murdock 'a family is a social group which is characterised by common residence, economic cooperation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted of the sexually cohabiting adults.' 'Hand out 5 THE FAMILY'

This statement portrays a very stereotypical family. It states that a family must consist of a male acting as father, a female as the mother and a child. This rules out homosexual couples, childless couples and also single parent families. There are a lot of people who disagree with this statement or they have different points of view on the topic.

'The family is the basic unit of society. It is a group of people who are usually related by birth, marriage or adoption.' Minnett 2001'

Minnett has a wider view about the family and doesn't make sweeping statements but leaves his comment open slightly by saying that usually the members are related.
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A family can be split into many different sections. These sections include:

* Nuclear family

* Classic extended family

* Modified extended family

* Lone parent family

* Reconstituted family

* Symmetrical family

The nuclear family consists of the parents living with just the children in one house. It only contains two generations of parents and children and is therefore sometimes referred to as the two-generation family.

The classic extended family is a larger family that is made up of lots of nuclear families. Unlike the nuclear family this family ...

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