How is an extended family defined?

An extended family is defined as a family structure that includes multiple generations living together or in close proximity. This typically consists of parents, their children, and other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The key characteristic of an extended family is the inclusion of these wider family members, which allows for stronger social bonds and support systems within the family unit.

In contrast, the other definitions focus on more immediate family configurations. For instance, two adults with children represent a nuclear family setup, which does not encapsulate the broader generational aspect of an extended family. A single parent raising a child emphasizes a particular caregiving arrangement, while two people in a same-sex relationship may describe a family dynamic but lacks the generational breadth that characterizes an extended family. Thus, the correct definition centers on the idea that multiple generations share living spaces or familial ties, highlighting the extended nature of the family structure.