A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What type of family forms have emerged as part of family diversity today?

1. Only nuclear families

2. Single parents and cohabiting couples

3. Extended families exclusively

4. Only heterosexual couples

The correct answer is: Single parents and cohabiting couples

The emergence of family diversity in contemporary society reflects a range of family structures beyond the traditional nuclear family. The correct answer highlights the prevalence of single parents and cohabiting couples as significant family forms today. Single-parent families have become increasingly common due to factors such as divorce, separation, or the choice to raise children independently. These family units often challenge the notion that a family must consist of two parents. Cohabiting couples, who choose to live together without formalizing their relationship through marriage, also represent a shift in traditional family patterns. This arrangement is growing in acceptance and can provide a stable and loving environment for raising children. While the traditional nuclear family still exists, the reality is that many are now part of a more diversified family structure that includes various arrangements, reflecting changes in societal values, economic conditions, and individual choices. Other family types, such as extended families, may coexist alongside these forms, but single-parent and cohabiting arrangements are particularly significant in showcasing the breadth of family diversity today.