The extended family simply refers to a form of family, which as the name implies, extends beyond the nuclear family to include uncles, aunties, grandparents and even cousins holding in one location.
A typical nuclear family includes father, mother, and children. Current sociological realities are forcing social scientists to redefine what a nuclear family is. It is not becoming commonplace to hold a nuclear family as on which consists of one parent (mother OR father) and child(ren) or parents of same gender and child(ren) etc. In some cases, a nuclear family these days could even be Grandparent(s) and child(ren).
The chief among the cause of separation of extended families is divorce.
The foundation of an extended family is the nuclear family. When the parents withing the nuclear circle decide to part ways, a once harmonious mini-community is forced to also split up.
Another cause could be economic sustainability
Sometimes, harsh economic conditions and the inability of the working class in an extended family to continue to support the elderly ones who are no longer capable of providing all they need by and for themselves.
Another cause for increased physical separation of extended families is the culture of Generation Z who are typically known to be more anti-social. It is not uncommon for a fifteen-year-old to move out of the home for want of more dependence.
Consequences of increased physical separation of extended families
Some of the demerits of physical separation of extended families are:
Loss of opportunity to develop strong family bonds. Family/Social bonding happens when there is a community of like minds who look out for each other and share same values.
Lack of access to support with childcare. One of the advantages of having a large extended family is that the immediate parents of the child(ren) are relieved with most of the pressure of catering for their offspring.
Lack of access to Financial Support. As already mentioned, in extended families, the youth who are legally and physically able to work most times carry the financial burden of the younger and elderly ones.
Providing Companionship
In extended families, even when the immediate parents of the child(ren) are not home, there is always someone who cares and to whom they can all relate.
It is rare for extended families to send their aged ones to geriatric homes because they have all the companionship they need right at home and there is always someone to care for them.
Some people still practice a very extended family. An example would be the Indians who sometimes have up to four generations living in the same household.
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