Family Diversities and Wellbeing Framework
Family Structure
How people are linked to form families


The Family Structure lens focuses on how people are connected in families through their relationships.
The ways families are structured reflect societal values, and influence legislation around union formation and dissolution, childbearing, child care and the economic and social responsibilities family members have with each other.
This lens motivates us to examine how families affect, and are affected by, laws and policies related to the shape of families and family life.
Examples:
• Intimate partner structures
• Parental structures
• Multigenerational structures
• Structurally diverse families
Related resources
Reports / November 24, 2023
Report: The Rights of Common-Law Partners in Canada
An overview of legal rights of people in common-law relationships across Canada.
View resourceArticles / March 22, 2022
Divorce in Canada: A Tale of Two Trends
Nathan Battams shares new findings on divorce trends in Canada over the last 30 years.
View resourceArticles / October 9, 2020
COVID-19 IMPACTS: Couple Relationships in Canada
Ana Fostik explores the family impacts of uncertainty and economic downturn on couple relationships in Canada.
View resourceExplore the framework
Click the framework lenses below to learn more
Family Structure
How people are linked to form families

Family Work
How paid and unpaid work are distributed in families

Family Identity
How family identities are constructed

Family Wellbeing
Material, Relational, Subjective
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