Which term describes a family where mothers head the household and fathers play a less central role?

• A. Lone parent family
• B. Gay or lesbian family
• C. Matrifocal family
• D. Household

Answer: (C)

Matriz-focused family structure is about who holds the central role in the home. The term describes a household in which the mother is the head, making key decisions and shaping the family’s routines, while the father plays a less central role. This focus on the mother as the primary authority is what sets it apart from other family types.

The other options don’t fit because they describe different ideas: a lone parent family refers to a household with only one parent, not specifically who leads; a gay or lesbian family describes the parents' sexual orientation, not the internal power dynamics; a household is a general term for anyone living in the same dwelling without specifying authority or roles within the family.