The Family

The structure of a family takes different forms around the world and even in the same society. The family's form changes as it adapts to   41   (change) social and economic influences. Until recently ,the most common form in North America was the nuclear family,   42   (consist) of a married couple with their minor children, The nuclear family is an   43   ( depend) unit. It must be prepared to fend for it self. Individual family members   45   (strong) depend on one. another. There is little help from outside the family in emergencies. Elderly   45   ( relative) of a nuclear family are cared for only if. it is possible For the family to do s0. In North America,the   46   ( elder) often do not live with the family;they live in   47   ( retire) communities and nursing homes.

There are many parallels. between the nuclear family in,   48   ( industry) societies, such as North America,and of family in societies such as that of the Inuits, who live in harsh environments. The nuclear family structures well   49   ( adapt) to a life of mobility. In harsh conditions, mobility allows the family to hunt for food. For North Americans,the hunt for jobs and   50   ( improve) social status also requires mobility.