Families Near and Far
In Japan, some children grow up in a house shared by grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all under one roof. In Iceland, many children live with just one parent and see the other on different days. In Nigeria, a child might call many adult neighbors uncle or auntie even if they are not related by blood. Every family is different — and every way is real!
What You'll Learn
- Why families look different around the world - Different kinds of families: nuclear, extended, single-parent, and blended - How families in other countries share chores, food, and celebrations - Why all kinds of families matter
Many Kinds of Families
A nuclear family is parents and children living together. An extended family also includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in the same home or very close by. A single-parent family has one grown-up taking care of the children. A blended family forms when two families join together. In many parts of Africa and Asia, extended families are very common. Children grow up surrounded by many relatives who help raise them. In parts of Northern Europe and North America, nuclear families are more common — but neighbors and friends can feel like family too.
Anthropologists — scientists who study human culture — use the word kinship to mean the connections between family members. Kinship can come from being born into a family, from being adopted, or even from close friendships that feel like family.
Family Chores Around the World
In Bolivia, children as young as 5 help carry water and tend to small animals as part of daily family life — and they feel proud to contribute. In Sweden, parents and children often share cooking and cleaning equally. In rural India, the whole family may work together in the fields during harvest season. Sharing work is one way families show love and teamwork, no matter where they live.
Celebrations That Bring Families Together
Diwali in India lights up whole neighborhoods as families gather to share sweets and light clay lamps. Lunar New Year brings Chinese families together from faraway cities to eat a big reunion dinner. Thanksgiving in the United States is a time for families — including faraway relatives — to travel home and eat together. Every culture has special times when families come together to celebrate, remember, and connect.
Ask a parent or grandparent: What was your family like when you were a child? You might discover surprising things about your own family history!
What does the word kinship mean to an anthropologist?
Which example shows an extended family?
Family Portrait Map
1. Draw your own family on a piece of paper. Include everyone who feels like family to you. 2. Next to each person, write their name and how they are connected to you. 3. Pick one family member and ask them: What is one thing your family did every week when you were little? 4. Share what you learned with your class. Look at each other's drawings and notice: every family is a little different!
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