Egalitarian Family

Definition of Egalitarian Family

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Egalitarian Family: A family system based on the equality of the participants and in direct contrast to the patriarchal family. It usually refers to an equal relationship between the adult partners, though it can mean permissive, rather than authoritarian, parent-child relationship. In North American families this family form is most likely to be found among young and well-educated couples. The term ‘symmetrical family’ is sometimes used as an equivalent. The concept is in many respects an ideal, rather than descriptive of typical or usual family relationships. See: DOUBLE BURDEN in this legal dictionary and in the world encyclopedia of law.

Egalitarian Family: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Egalitarian Family. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada