Types and forms of the family

On the basis of marriage: Family has been classified into three major types:

• Polygamous or polygynous family
• Polyandrous family
• Monogamous family

On the basis of the nature of residence family can be classified into three main forms.

• Family of matrilocal residence
• Family of patrilocal residence
• Family of changing residence

On the basis of ancestry or descent family can be classified into two main types

• Matrilineal family
• Patrilineal family

On the basis of size or structure and the depth of generations family can be classified into two main types.

• Nuclear or the single unit family
• Joint family

On the basis of the nature of relations among the family members the family can be classified into two main types.

• The conjugal family which consists of adult members among there exists sex relationship.
• Consanguine family which consists of members among whom there exists blood relationship- brother and sister, father and son etc.