In which family type is authority typically distributed between partners rather than concentrated in one parent?

• A. Symmetrical family
• B. Patriarchal family
• C. Nuclear family
• D. Matriarchal family

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how power and decisions are shared inside the home. In a symmetrical family, authority is distributed between partners rather than resting with one parent. This reflects a shift toward joint decision-making about money, children, and household life as both partners contribute to earnings and domestic tasks. While equality isn’t universal in every situation, the defining feature is that both adults have a say and share responsibility.

This differs from a patriarchal family, where the father tends to hold most authority, and from a matriarchal family, where the mother holds it. The nuclear family describes a living arrangement (a family living together in a household) rather than who controls decisions, so it doesn’t specify how power is distributed.