Nuclear family consists of-
**Core Concept**
A nuclear family is a basic social unit consisting of a married couple and their dependent children. It is a fundamental concept in sociology and anthropology that describes the smallest unit of a family structure. The nuclear family is characterized by a high degree of interdependence among its members.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The nuclear family is a universal institution that provides a sense of belonging, security, and identity to its members. It is a social unit that is responsible for the care and upbringing of children, as well as the emotional and economic support of its members. The nuclear family is also a key unit in the transmission of cultural values, norms, and traditions from one generation to the next.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the composition of a nuclear family. A nuclear family typically consists of a married couple and their dependent children, not just a single person.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it describes an extended family, which includes multiple generations and relatives. An extended family is a larger social unit that is more complex than a nuclear family.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it describes a joint family, which is a type of family that includes multiple married couples and their children. A joint family is a more complex social unit than a nuclear family.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The nuclear family is a universal institution that plays a crucial role in the socialization and development of children. It is essential for medical professionals to understand the dynamics of the nuclear family in order to provide effective care and support to families.
**Correct Answer: C. A married couple and their dependent children.**