Throughout human life, the issue of the relationship of different generations has been one of the key. Families are divided according to various typological characteristics, depending on the estimated parameters. Let's get acquainted with some types of family classification and consider what a multi-generational family is.
Typology
There are many ways to classify families. The assessment takes place depending on many parameters: the distribution of power, the number of children, according to the form of marriage, relative to the place of residence, as well as the general structural structure. Among the main types of classification, the following family types are distinguished : multi-generational and nuclear.
Simple (nuclear) family
Nuclear family - a family of simple structure, which includes two generations. In the modern world, this type is most common. In such cells of society, there can be either one or many children. Relationships are formed directly between parents and children. Often situations may arise when one of the spouses is absent. In this case, such a family circle is classified as incomplete.
Complex (multi-generational) family
There is also such a thing as a complex or multi-generational system of kinship. The main difference between this type from others is that strong intra-family relations between different generations are traced. A multi-generational family is a family of three or more generations of relatives. Quite often, one can observe the joint presence of all relatives in a single space. Such structures have existed everywhere since ancient times. For some peoples, it is still considered necessary to live as a single family, represented by several generations (eastern peoples). An increase in the number of family relations of this type in our country occurred in the period of the 90s. This can most likely be attributed to housing problems and the inability to separate young people from their parents.
Common problems
Along with other features, a multi-generational family, as a rule, faces a number of difficulties. There may be problems of a pedagogical nature, contradictions in the education of children. Generations of relatives of different ages have a different understanding of him, which often leads to conflict and misunderstanding. Families living under the same roof may experience problems associated with the restriction of mobility and freedom of movement, actions in the living space. It is also possible to replace roles, for example, by the oldest man in the house, who claims to be the dominant role, which may not always coincide with the views of the younger generation on this issue. There may be contradictions on this basis.
Pros and Cons of the Nuclear Family
Like a multi-generational family, a simple nuclear family has advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages include complete independence from the opinions, decisions and views of other relatives. As well as the possibility of freedom of action in matters of raising children, choice of place of residence, type of behavior between spouses, general mobility. In a nuclear family, spouses can themselves decide on the predominant role of any of them. The main disadvantages include the fact that there is no borrowing of traditions and foundations of the older generation. There is not always the possibility of close communication. Mutual assistance and parenting by more experienced family members are not observed.
Pros and Cons of a Complex Family
The main advantages include the fact that a multi-generational family cultivates the transfer of knowledge and experience to younger relatives. A child or children growing in such an environment has the opportunity to gain experience in communication and interaction with people of different ages. This is the key to acquiring a child's communication skills, the formation of a manner of communication with the older generation. In such families, there is a high probability of successfully establishing household issues. The disadvantages include the impossibility of developing the young generation's own unique life experience. Often there are problems with changing the place of residence and making personal decisions for the younger generation.
Features of interaction in a multi-generational family
The interrelation of different generations in such families is one of the most difficult, but at the same time important aspects. In this matter, it will be useful to take into account the interests of all members of such a structure - both the older generation and the younger. The key point here is the mutual respect of all relatives to each other, the ability and ability to seek a compromise. All this will help to avoid conflict situations and will contribute to the peaceful coexistence of several generations in one territory.
Based on the considered examples, it can be said that both the nuclear and multi-generational families have their own characteristics, among which one can find both disadvantages and advantages. Each of them has a right to exist. In matters of creating a particular type of family relationship should be guided by personal preferences, beliefs and opinions.