Extended Family - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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In GCSE Sociology, the term 'extended family' refers to a family structure that extends beyond the traditional nuclear family of parents and their children. This includes other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who may live in the same household or maintain close connections and frequent interactions, even if they reside separately.

The extended family plays a significant role in providing emotional support, sharing resources, and influencing social norms and values within a cultural context. Understanding the dynamics of extended families helps students explore how social relationships and support networks impact individual and community life.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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