The nuclear family has been described to be a family in which there are two parents in a heterosexual relationship with their biological children. Some sociological perspectives view the nuclear family as the dominant type of family unit, even with numerous other family unit types growing and emerging.
One of the biggest reason for nuclear family units still being the dominant type of family unit is economic. The ordinary nuclear family can easily adapt to the changing economic and political realities. They are flexible and mobile because they have other family members who they can trust and divide work with, making it easier for them to survive in this harsh world. Two parent families tend to be more stable than a single parent or multi-generational family. Spouses or partners can role model a loving, caring and supportive relationship for their children. This will translate into future success by teaching children how to seek out positive relationships and interact well with others. Children benefit from watching partners work together to solve problems, delegate responsibilities and support one another through all the best and worst of times.
Even with all of the positivities that make them popular, nuclear families have their own problems, like breaking up from the extended members of the family. Grandparents, aunts, uncles etc can be very helpful in times of need and should have a place in the family, but sadly the nuclear family unit doesn’t always leave or create one for them. While the idea of less conflict and stress should certainly be considered an advantage of the nuclear family unit, it also puts that type of family unit at a disadvantage. Conflict is a part of life, and conflict resolution skills are beneficial in an individuals’ social life. Nuclear families can begin to develop like minded thinking, which usually leads to fewer arguments and disagreements between the family members. This prevents individuals from learning to argue and build up the skills to negate something they don’t agree with outside of the family unit. This can very negatively effect someone’s social life.
Even with all of its pros and cons, the nuclear family unit is still the preferred way of many to raise a family and/or children. With many other family unit types on the rise like single parent families, divorced and multi-generational households, the dominance of the nuclear family might be at stake.
