Final answer:
Extended families include grandparents, parents, and children along with other relatives living together, while nuclear families consist of only parents and their children. The increase in extended and multigenerational households in the U.S. reflects changing social norms and economic needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Extended families typically comprise the grandparents, parents, and their children all living under the same roof. This family structure may include multiple generations such as grandparents, parents, and children, and possibly other relatives like aunts, uncles, and cousins. In contrast, a nuclear family consists of two parents (traditionally a married husband and wife) and their children living in the same household. The prevalence of extended families in a society can reflect cultural norms, economic conditions, and social trends including increased numbers of multigenerational households.In the United States, the emergence of extended family households is often associated with transitional periods such as changes in employment, education, or during recoveries from economic challenges. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a rise in single-parent families, unmarried couples, same-sex couples, single-adult households, and households that include extended family members. Moreover, there's a noticeable increase in multigenerational households, reflecting the changing dynamics of American family structures.