A multigenerational family: the pros and cons

Throughout a person's life, the question of the relationship between different generations was one of the key. Families are subdivided according to different typological characteristics, depending on the parameters being evaluated. We will become acquainted with some types of family classification and consider what a multigenerational family is.

Typology

There are many ways of classifying families. The assessment takes place depending on many parameters: the distribution of power, the number of children, the form of marital relations, the place of residence, and also the general structural structure. Among the main types of classification are the following types of families: the multi-generational and the nuclear.

A simple (nuclear) family

The nuclear family is a family of simple structure, which includes two generations. In the modern world, this type is found most often. In such cells of society there can be both one and many children. Relationships are formed directly between parents and children. Often there can be situations when there is a lack of one of the spouses. In such a case, such a family circle is classified as incomplete.

A complex (multicultural) family

There is also such a thing as a complex or multigenerational system of kinship. The main difference of this type from others is that strong intra-family relationships between different generations are traced. A multigenerational family is a family consisting of three or more generations of relatives. Quite often it is possible to observe the joint finding of all relatives in a single space. Such structures existed everywhere from ancient times. Some peoples still consider it 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 the territory of our country occurred during the 1990s. This can be linked, most likely, with housing problems and the inability to separate young people from their parents.

Frequent problems

Along with other features, a multigenerational family, as a rule, faces a number of difficulties. There may be problems of a pedagogical nature, contradictions in the issues of raising children. Different generations of relatives have different understandings about him, which often leads to conflicts and misunderstandings. Families living under the same roof may experience problems related to the limitation of mobility and freedom of movement, actions in residential space. It is also possible to replace roles, for example, with the oldest male in the house, which claims to be the dominant role, which may not always coincide with the views of the younger generation on this issue. Perhaps the emergence of contradictions on this soil.

Pros and cons of the nuclear family

Like a multi-generational family, a simple nuclear one has advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages are complete independence from the opinions, decisions and views of other relatives. And also the possibility of freedom of action in matters of raising children, choosing a place of residence, the type of behavior between spouses, and overall mobility. In a nuclear family, the spouses can decide for themselves about the dominant role of one of them. The main drawbacks are that there is no borrowing of traditions, the foundations of the older generation. There is not always the possibility of close communication. Mutual assistance and education of children by more experienced family members are not observed.

Pros and cons of a complex family

The main advantages are the fact that a multigenerational family cultivates the transfer of knowledge and experience to younger relatives. A child or children growing up in such an environment, it becomes possible to gain experience of communication and interaction with people of different ages. This is the key to acquiring the child's communication skills, forming a manner of communication with the older generation. In such families there is a high probability of successful adjustment of household issues. The disadvantages are the impossibility of developing a unique life experience for the young generation . Often there are problems with changing the place of residence and making personal decisions for the younger generation.

Peculiarities of interaction in a multigenerational family

The interrelation of different generations in such families is one of the most difficult, but at the same time important aspects. In this issue, it will be superfluous to take into account the interests of all members of such a structure - both the older generation and the younger. The key moment here is the mutual respect of all the relatives to each other, the opportunity and the ability to seek a compromise. All this will help to avoid conflict situations and will promote the peaceful coexistence of several generations in one territory.

On the basis of the examples examined, it can be said that both the nuclear and the multi-generational family have their own characteristics, among which there are shortcomings and advantages. Each of them has a right to exist. In matters of creating a particular type of family relations, one should be guided by personal preferences, beliefs and opinions.