What is the definition of a nuclear family?

A nuclear family is characterized by consisting of two parents and their biological or adopted children living together in a single household. This structure emphasizes the immediate family unit, distinguishing itself from other family types where additional relatives may be included. The focus on two parents and their offspring provides a clear understanding of the dynamics typically associated with a nuclear family, which often involves direct parental responsibility and nurturing within a primary residential unit.

In contrast, family structures that involve single parents or extended relatives, or those living with non-relatives, would not fall under this specific definition, as they either introduce additional family members or alter the traditional parent-child nuclear unit dynamic. This clarity helps to reinforce the unique aspects and societal significance of nuclear families in studies of family dynamics and sociology.