The Types of Families found in the Caribbean

Compare different  family types and unions in the Caribbean

Contributor: Mrs. Charmaine Fuller-Wallace

DEFINITION, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT FAMILY TYPES IN THE CARIBBEAN

FAMILY TYPE	DEFINITION	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANATGES
Single Parent	One parent and a child/children own/adopted living together under the same roof	~  Children usually learn to be more responsible: A single parent usually has to handle almost all the aspects of parenting. It however also means that children will learn to be responsible at a young age as often times children are assigned duties that the parent expects to be carried out.  Children are often consulted when decisions are to be made and this will also instill a sense of responsibility that will come from participating in teamwork and everyday decision-making process. The child/children will learn the importance of planning and taking responsibility his or her actions.	Behavioural problems may occur because of lack of supervision of children since there’s only one parent at home.  Children, if they are left unsupervised may engage in behaviours which can be harmful to them and others around them. ~ Financial problems such as inability to provide basic needs may occur because there’s one source of income. ~ Because there are fewer persons in the home, the immediate family support is sometimes less. ~ Children tend to be less supervised because the burden is sometimes on the one parent to provide the necessary supervision for the child. This can be lacking especially if the parent has to work outside the home and there is little or no support from the other parent and family members.
Nuclear	A man and a woman and a child/children (own/adopted) living together under the same roof.	~ The child/children has/have both male and female role models. ~ Both parents share in the responsibility of growing the children ~ The children may benefit from the love and affection of both parents ~ Greater economic/financial support for the family	~ Sometimes even though both parents are present in the home, it does not necessarily mean that they both will play a meaningful role in child’s life.
Extended	~ This is where a parent/parents and a child/children live together with another relative such as grandmother/cousin living together under the same roof.	~ If all adults in the home work together as a team, they can ensure that the child/children are adequately supervised and are taught the importance of adapting and practicing good behaviours in the home and in the society. ~ More members in the household are able to help to meet the family’s financial needs When persons such as grandparents live in the home, they usually teach the children the culture, which includes the belief and practices of the society.	~ Financial problems may occur if family members who work do not make enough money to support the household. ~ If clear lines are not established as to whom the main authority figure in the home is, there can be conflict when it comes to decision making.
Sibling Household	~ There is no parent in the household and  a older brother/sister takes care of the sibling	~ Often siblings tend to develop stronger bonds/friendship as they all have to depend on each other for support	~ Sometimes the children are not provided with adequate supervision. ~ Sometimes the children use the opportunity to participate in defiant behaviours such as drug abuse and early sexual activity