StepfamiliesIntroductionThere are variations in contemporary family structure. The concept of family is changing with the emergence of stepfamilies and the decline of nuclear families. The nuclear family has always been seen as the conservative and ideological form of the family. However, cultural transformation has led to the emergence of new family structures. The new family structures can be made up of two mothers, one parent, two fathers or stepfamilies with heterosexual couples and dependent children. This research paper presents the concept of stepfamilies in modern society. The paper examines the prevalence of such families and the implications for the concept of family. The problems associated with stepfamilies and how they compare to other categories of families are also examined (LeBey, 2004). Types of Families Basic family categories include the nuclear family, the extended family, the single-parent family, and the stepfamily. Added to these are intergenerational families, adoptive or foster families, never-married families, grandparents as parents and families of same-sex couples. A nuclear family is the common category of family. This family consists of a child living with two parents. About half of all families with children under the age of 18 consist of two biological parents and their children. Single-parent families comprise approximately 27% of families with children under the age of 18. Approximately 670,000 families with children under age 18 have a family member age 65 or older living with them (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2008). A stepfamily is one in which at least one couple has at least one child from a different relationship. There are different forms of stepfamilies that are the result of...... middle of paper......it is not the stepparent's purpose to replace them if they are part of the child's life. In conclusion, stepfamilies are becoming a common phenomenon in contemporary society. This is due to the high tendency of marriages to fail. However, society should take several measures to accept and promote the development of this form of marriage. Works Cited LeBey, B. (2004). Remarried with children: ten secrets to successfully merging and extending your family. New York: Bantam. National Stepfamily Resource Center (2013). Adoptive family facts. Retrieved November 21, 2013, from http://www.stepfamilies.info/stepfamily-fact-sheet.phpStokes, J. (1997). The Survival Guide to Stepparenting. Blue Bird Publishing United States Bureau of the Census (2008). Families and Living Arrangements, Current Population Reports, Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.