This report paints a picture of the modern family composition in Britain and looks at how the changing family make-up is affecting family lifestyles, spending habits and priorities. To understand the diversity of today’s families, Mintel has identified four family typologies based on the composition of the family and whether parents and children live together full time.
Whilst the majority of children are being raised by two parents, single parents emerge as the second biggest family type in Britain. Mintel data shows the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this rising family set-up. Our research shows that children growing up with one parent are reaching emotional maturity faster and becoming more influential at a younger age, compared with children in families with two adults.
Whilst a significant minority of non-resident parents are not involved in their children’s lives, the majority of these parents remain engaged in the decisions about purchases and activities for their children, as well as helping out with childcare.
Definitions
The report refers to resident parents. These are all parents who live with their biological, adopted or step-children aged 0-18 years old and who fall under one of the following three classifications;
Traditional family: two married or cohabiting adults, living with their biological or adopted children aged 0-18 years old
Single parents: a parent who is not married or cohabiting with a partner, living with children aged 0-18 years old
Blended family: two married or cohabiting adults, living with their biological or adopted children aged 0-18 years old, with at least one child from a previous relationship (either the respondent’s child or the child of the respondent’s partner)
Non-resident parents: parent who has children aged 0-18 years old, who does not live with them
