extended family structure

An extended family structure includes relatives beyond the immediate family—such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—living together or maintaining close ties. This setup provides a broader support network, facilitating shared child-rearing, household responsibilities, and cultural traditions. In many cultures, extended families are integral to daily life, fostering strong intergenerational bonds and collective decision-making. Unlike the nuclear family, which focuses on parents and their children, extended families encompass multiple generations, offering stability, emotional support, and resource sharing across a wider kinship network.