Nuclear family definition
Consists of two parents and biological or adopted children living together. Traditionally considered ideal family structure in many societies.
Nuclear family summary of change
Neo-conventional nuclear family, now dual-earners. Economic and social shifts - gender equality and changing work roles contributed to transformation of family dynamics.
Nuclear family key stats
Proportion of households consisting of a nuclear family fell from 39% in 1996 to 29% in 2021
Marriage definition
Legally and socially recognised union between two people
Marriage rates summary of change
More couples are choosing cohabitation over marriage
Marriage rates key stats
2022 - 35,000 marriages, down from 400,000 in 1970. Cohabitating couples 1.5 million in 1996 to 3.6 million in 2021
Cohabitation definition
Couples living together without formal marriage
Cohabitation summary of change
Many people choosing to live together before marriage or as an alternative to marriage altogether
Cohabitation key stats
Grew from 1.5 million in 1996 to 3.6 million in 2021
Divorce definition
Dissolving a marriage legally
Divorce rate summary of change
1969 divorce reform act allowed more freedom for divorce. People aren't choosing to get married.
Divorce stats
Early 1990s - 14.2 divorces per 1000 married couples. Recent years - 8.4 divorces per 1000