The Evolving Definition of ‘Family’ in the UK: A 2024 Perspective
The Evolving Definition of Family in the UK: A 2024 Perspective
WOMBA currently funds research in partnership with Hult International Business School, in the space of working parents. The research is the first of its kind in the UK, and is the first step in a long journey of what we hope will be groundbreaking research that will eventually include all family structures. If you know anyone that would like to support and fund this research, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thank you.
Additional extra: Although we began our research with the predominant focus on ‘working mums and working dads’, our intent is to expand it to explore all the many family structures.
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Today, the concept of "family" in the UK has become more diverse and inclusive than ever. This evolution reflects broader societal changes, where inclusivity and acceptance have become central values.
So, as the definition of family has expanded, so too must the language we use to discuss and refer to families. The words we choose can either reinforce outdated stereotypes or embrace the diversity of today's families.
For instance, the term "parent/s" is often used as a default when discussing families, but this can exclude those families led by grandparents, carers, or guardians. A more inclusive term might be "primary caregivers", which acknowledges the variety of people who take on the nurturing role in a child’s life.
Similarly, referring to families as "mothers and fathers" can unintentionally alienate same-sex parents or single parents. Instead, using "caregivers" or "guardians" can encompass all forms of family leadership.
Dr. Rachel Andrew, a renowned UK family psychologist, emphasises the importance of language in her work: "The way we speak about families has a profound impact on how children and adults perceive their own family structures. Inclusive language fosters a sense of belonging and validation, which is crucial for the psychological well-being of all family members."
The following is by no means an exhaustive list of family structures, definitions, and diversity factors, and we ask that you share with us anything you feel that we have missed.
We have also included various resources where you can find further information or support for each of the dynamics.
Redefining Family Structure
The ‘traditional’ or ‘nuclear’ family - generally comprising two heterosexual parents and their biological children - is now just one of many ways families are formed. The UK today is a mosaic of family types, each with its own dynamics, challenges, and strengths.
Single-parent families are increasingly common, with nearly one in four children in the UK living in a single-parent household*. These families are often led by parents who juggle multiple roles, from breadwinner to caregiver, aiming to offer their children a safe environment of love and stability. While a partner may not be in the picture at all, they may also share custody with another parent or guardian.
Gingerbread: A UK-based charity supporting single parents. They offer statistics, resources, and support networks for single-parent families. Gingerbread
Co-Parent Hub: Offers resources and reviews on co-parenting apps that help separated parents manage their responsibilities. Co-Parent Hub
*Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Same-sex parent families have gained more visibility and legal recognition, especially following the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014. Children in these families grow up in environments where acceptance, openness, and the celebration of differences are everyday norms.
Stonewall: A leading LGBTQ+ rights organisation in the UK. They provide resources and advocacy for same-sex families. Stonewall
Blended families - where one or both partners bring children from previous relationships - are another growing structure. These families navigate the complexities of merging different familial histories, often resulting in a broadened network of relationships that enrich the lives of all involved.
Family Lives: This charity offers advice and support for all families, including those that are blended. Family Lives
Co-Parent Hub: Offers resources and reviews on co-parenting apps that help separated parents manage their responsibilities. Co-Parent Hub
Foster families and adoptive families provide children a family to care for them. It also provides the opportunity for parents who may not be able to conceive, or choose the route of adoption for personal reasons, the chance to nurture, love and become a family.
CoramBAAF: An organization focused on adoption and fostering, providing resources and support for families. CoramBAAF
There are also those who step into caregiving roles out of necessity, or love.
Grandparents as primary caregivers are on the rise, often due to economic pressures or parental incapacity. These families bring the wisdom and experience of age into the everyday lives of children, fostering strong intergenerational bonds.
Grandparents Plus: A national charity supporting grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Grandparents Plus
Carers or guardians - whether for disabled children, parents, siblings, other relatives, or even non-relatives - this can also redefine what it means to be a family. These relationships are grounded in deep compassion and responsibility, and they challenge the conventional idea that a family is defined by those who are biologically related or living under the same roof.
Carers UK: A national charity offering support, advice, and information to those caring for a family member. Carers UK
Scope: A disability equality charity offering resources and advocacy for families caring for disabled members. Scope - Family Support
Impact of Cultural and Ethnic Diversity on Family Structures
Multigenerational Families: In some cultures, it's common for multiple generations to live under one roof, sharing caregiving responsibilities across grandparents, parents, and even extended family members. This can provide a strong support network but also brings unique challenges and dynamics.
Age UK: Offers insights and resources on multigenerational living, including its benefits and challenges. Age UK - Multigenerational Living
ONS: The Office for National Statistics also provides data on household composition, including multigenerational households. ONS - Families and Households
Cultural Expectations: Different cultural backgrounds can influence the roles and expectations within families, such as gender roles, the importance of extended family, and approaches to caregiving.
Runnymede Trust: A race equality think tank that provides research on how cultural diversity shapes family life in the UK. Runnymede Trust
Institute of Race Relations: Offers analysis on how race and ethnicity intersect with various aspects of life, including family dynamics. Institute of Race Relations
Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Provides research on poverty, social justice, and family life, including how these intersect with race and disability. Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Additional Resources for Families
Legal Rights and Protections:
Citizens Advice: Provides comprehensive information on the legal rights of different types of families, including adoption, same-sex parenting, and guardianship. Citizens Advice - Family
Law Society: Offers guidance on family law in the UK, including recent changes and legal recognition of various family structures. Law Society - Family Law
Access to Social Services:
GOV.UK: The UK government’s official site provides information on social services available to families, including childcare, benefits, and support for carers. GOV.UK - Family Services
Mental Health Support:
JAAQ: A platform that shares expert insight from world leading doctors, experts and people with lived experiences. JAAQ.
Mind: A leading mental health charity in the UK, offering resources on mental health for various family situations. Mind - Family Mental Health
YoungMinds: Focuses on children and young people's mental health, with resources for different family structures. YoungMinds - Parenting Support
Children's Well-being:
NSPCC: The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children offers resources on children's well-being in diverse family contexts. NSPCC - Children’s Mental Health
Glossary of Family Terminology
Primary Caregivers: Individuals who are responsible for the daily care and upbringing of children. This can include parents, grandparents, foster parents, or guardians.
Restructured Family: A term used to describe a family that has undergone changes, such as divorce or remarriage, without the negative connotations of "broken home."
Blended Family: A family unit where one or both partners have children from previous relationships, and those children come together under one roof.
Foster Family: A family that temporarily cares for children who cannot live with their biological parents.
Adoptive Family: A family where one or more children have been legally adopted, establishing a permanent parent-child relationship that is not based on biological ties.
Same-Sex Parent Family: A family where children are raised by two parents of the same gender.
Grandparent-Led Family: A family where grandparents have primary responsibility for the upbringing of their grandchildren.
Carer: A person who takes care of someone with a disability, illness, or other needs, who may or may not be a family member.
Guardian: A person who has legal authority to make decisions on behalf of a child. These decisions can include the child's education, healthcare, welfare, protection, care, and discipline. Guardianship can be court-assigned, or it can be appointed in a will.
As mentioned, please get in touch if you think we are missing key information or have outlined anything incorrectly.