Which social science term describes family structures beyond the nuclear family, involving other relatives?

The term that describes family structures extending beyond the nuclear family, which typically consists of two parents and their children, is the extended family. This includes additional relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins living together or involved in the family unit.

Extended families provide a broader support network, contributing to social and emotional support, shared resources, and responsibilities among various family members. In many cultures, extended families play a significant role in daily life, traditions, and upbringing of children, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds that reach beyond just the parents and their immediate offspring.

In contrast, the nuclear family focuses solely on the parent-child relationship, while blended families refer to families that are formed when one or both partners have children from previous relationships. Single-parent families consist of a single parent raising one or more children. These definitions further emphasize why "extended family" is the correct term for family structures that involve a wider array of relatives.