Full family

Question

Hi,Can I say ''full family' as the opposite of 'single-parent family'?I'm refering to a type of family according to its structure, so I don't think the term 'nuclear family' is suitable here, as it rather describes the Western type of family, in contrast to some other types but I'm not sure.According to some sources, the term 'full family' is used (http://blog.aupairgarden.com/10-questions-to-au-pair-whos-worked-for-single-mother/) but can you really trust what's on the Intenet? Michal

Ivanhr · Accepted Answer

If you're thinking of an extended family consisting of a mother, father, their children and possibly some adult relatives , who all share a common household, then you can use the term "conjugal family".

Rover_KE · Answer

A family is taken to be – at the very least – a mother, a father and at least one child.

If for any reason it's important to point out that only one parent is bringing up the child/ren, it's called a single-parent family or a one-parent family.

If it's important to specify that both parents are present, it's called a two-parent family.

Avoid 'full family'. The link you quote is the only place I have ever heard or read the phrase.

Rover

MichalS · Answer

No. I'm thinking of a family consisting of two parents and their own children. A model of family which is opposite to single-parent families.

For example, in the Polish legal language we have terms "full" and "incomplete" families in an exact translation. I need the first in legal English.

Michal

MichalS · Answer

Rover_KEIf it's important to specify that both parents are present, it's called a two-parent family.

That's what I need. Thank you.

I'll avoid 'full family' as I believe it's a calque from a language the form is used.

Thanks again,
Michal

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Michal;

We also have the term "nuclear family." That is the mother, father and their children.
In contrast, is the "extended family," which is the grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and cousins. In farming communities, people live together in extended family groups so everyone can help do the farm work.

If you are looking for terms used in inheritance and wills, see this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_stirpes

Khoff · Answer

Rover_KEA family is taken to be – at the very least – a mother, a father and at least one child.

I would quibble with this definition. I would prefer to call that configuration a "traditional family." I would certainly call any of the following a "family":

a single, divorced or widowed person raising children
grandparents rising grandchildren
a same-*** couple raising children
a married couple who never had children, but takes care of elderly parents who live with them
etc.

Edited to add: I have never heard the terms "full family" or "conjugal family." "Nuclear family" and "extended family," as described above, are common terms.

MichalS · Answer

Hi Alphecca Stars,

Thanks for the info!

I am aware of the term and we have it also in Polish (as a calque translation). Originally, I translated it as "nuclear family" but then I thought that "nuclear family" is a term used when making slightly different divisions. I think we rather use "nuclear family" as opposed to polygamous or extended families. Here, I'm looking for a phenomenon that is the opposite of "single-parent family". As I see it, single-parent families are not nececssarily a model of family but a shape of family after one of the parents passed away, left, etc. That's why I've got trouble translating its antonym as "nuclear family". In fact, I don't know.

Thanks for the link. It might come in handy when I translate something of this sort.

Michal

P.S. If you were to coin a term for somebody responsible for respecting family rights in a given country, would it be more like a Family Rights Defender, Family Advocate, or maybe Family Ombudsman?

AlpheccaStars · Answer

To me, single-parent families (loos of one spouse due to death or divorce) is as much a family as any others with parents (or grandparents) and their progeny.
Families also include those with adopted children, and foster children.

I have not heard of "family rights" in a legal context.
"Family values" is a catch phrase of certain conservative political groups. Perhaps you mean parental rights, or children's rights?
There are many groups which serve to protect children from abusive parents (Children's Protective Services), or the rights of biological or adoptive parents in their rights to a meaningful relationship with their children.

MichalS · Answer

AlpheccaStarsTo me, single-parent families (loos of one spouse due to death or divorce) is as much a family as any others with parents (or grandparents) and their progeny.

It sure is. But it's also woth having such cases regulated by law so, for example, they can get a special aid, to which two-parent families aren't entitle, etc.

AlpheccaStarsI have not heard of "family rights" in a legal context.

That's why I asked you to coin that term.

The thing is that they're planning to establish such office in Poland and I was wondering what it would be in English.

M

AlpheccaStars · Answer

There is a legal category in the US called "Family Law" but it is perhaps more comprehensive that what you are looking for. It covers adoption, domestic partnerships, divorce, custody - anything family-related.
http://family.findlaw.com/
The government agency that covers welfare and support is "Health and Human Services" and there is a division of that organization for families and children: http://www.hhs.gov/open/contacts/acf.html

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