Types Of Families According To Their Degree Of Cohesion
Each family nucleus is a world. The norms and the way of relating between parents and children differs from one household to another. Therefore, there are many different types of families, depending on the aspect in which we focus.
One of the most important factors to evaluate when we want to know the functioning of a family is the degree of cohesion. This indicates the extent to which members are involved with each other, how much they care about each other and help each other.
At first glance, it may seem that a high degree of cohesion is desirable, as love and family support are essential elements. However, it is essential that the freedom and autonomy of each person is also allowed. That each individual can develop individually without being constrained by their family ties.
Thus, we can say that the degree of cohesion is a continuum, at the midpoint of which is virtue. Dependence on the family is negative and limiting. But in the same way, extreme independence is detrimental. For this reason, those families that are located in intermediate points, that are interdependent, enjoy better relationships and greater well-being.
Types of families according to their degree of cohesion
Unbound
These types of families are at the extreme of independence. Its members are very little involved with each other, spend little time together and interactions between them are rare. There are seldom displays of affection, and the family is seldom called upon for support or guidance in making decisions.
Each person makes their own life, staying in separate spaces and counting on different interests. There is little emotional closeness and little loyalty. Independence and individuality prevail above all else.
Separated
This case is already in one of the central and healthiest positions. In them, there is a certain degree of loyalty and involvement with others, even displays of affection are made. But even so, personal separation and individual development are still encouraged.
Each member has different interests and leisure time is usually spent separately. But there are also moments of joint relaxation and family spaces are shared. The boundaries between parents and children are clear, but all are emotionally close.
Connected
Connected families go one step further in closeness and emotional intimacy, but remain at a healthy point. In these types of families, loyalty is encouraged and the expression of affection is promoted. It is considered important that each member is involved with the others, that the family is a central point of interest for all and that all opinions are taken into account when deciding.
Sharing time, interests and activities together is promoted and prioritized. Even personal friends are presented and assimilated as friends of the family. But, even so, the individual space and time of each one is respected.
Agglutinated
Finally, agglutinated families are at the opposite end of the continuum. That is, in excessive dependence and attachment. Between the members of these nuclei there is an extreme emotional closeness and an absolute implication. The family is the main interest, loyalty is demanded and decisions are made based on the common interest.
Most of the activities, times and spaces are shared and privacy and individual development are hardly allowed. Similarly, there is a lack of boundaries between parents and children, which can lead to unhealthy coalitions between them; the roles are not healthily defined.
Satisfaction in different types of families
A healthy family is one that is in a balance between attachment and detachment. One in which there is support, love and trust, but in which the free will of each one is also promoted and allowed. It is the decision of each family nucleus to decide the type of relationships they want to establish in them. However, it is important to understand that extreme positions can harm both parents and children.
Overly independent families can lead to members feeling lonely, lacking in supportive affection and belonging. But, on the other hand, those excessively attached can restrict freedom and lead to harmful dependencies. So let’s try to find a healthy balance.
