Which family type consists of a married couple and their biological, adoptive, or foster children?

The nuclear family is characterized by a household that includes two parents—typically a married couple—along with their biological, adoptive, or foster children. This structure is common in many cultures and is often considered the traditional family unit. The focus is primarily on the immediate relationships within the household, rather than involving wider family ties or additional relatives.

In contrast, the extended family includes multiple generations or branches of a family living together or in close proximity, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, which are not limited to just the parents and their children. Matriarchal family structures are defined by the predominance of female leadership, usually in regards to inheritance or social roles, rather than the nuclear family arrangement. Lastly, a single-parent family consists of one parent raising their children without the other parent, which also deviates from the typical nuclear family structure.

Recognizing these distinctions reinforces the understanding of family dynamics and the various ways families can be organized in society.