Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam

What is a family unit consisting of a man, a woman, and their children called?

1. Extended family

2. Nuclear family

3. Single-parent family

4. Blended family

The correct answer is: Nuclear family

A family unit consisting of a man, a woman, and their children is referred to as a nuclear family. This term specifically describes a primary family group made up of two parents and their dependent children, living together as a single unit. The concept of the nuclear family is fundamental in sociology and is often contrasted with other family structures. In different contexts, the nuclear family can be recognized as the core family structure where the parents typically have legal and social responsibilities for their children. This structure is seen as a basic family model in many cultures, particularly in the context of Western societies. The emphasis on a nuclear family allows for a focus on the parents' roles in child-rearing and the dynamics of the immediate household. In contrast, extended families include relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, living together or in close proximity. Single-parent families are headed by one parent raising children, and blended families arise when two families unite, often through remarriage, which includes children from previous relationships. Each of these family structures serves different societal roles and functions, but the term nuclear family accurately captures the traditional configuration of a family unit composed of parents and their offspring.