Which of the following is NOT a basis of classification of family?

NHM MP Staff Nurse-2022

Applied Sociology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2022

Explanation

Religion, while influential on family life, is not a structural or functional category used by sociologists to classify family types.
Sociological classification focuses on objective characteristics like structure, lines of descent, residence patterns, and authority.
Family values, traditions, and rituals are shaped by religion, but the type of family (e.g., nuclear, patrilocal) is defined by other criteria.

Option A: Structure is a primary basis for classifying families, distinguishing between types like nuclear, joint, and extended families based on their size and composition.
Option B: Ancestry, or descent, is a fundamental way to classify families, determining whether lineage is traced through the father (patrilineal) or mother (matrilineal).
Option C: Residence is a standard classification that describes the post-marital living arrangements of a couple, such as patrilocal, matrilocal, or neolocal.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Bases of Family Classification in Sociology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding a patient's family structure (e.g., nuclear, joint) helps nurses identify the primary decision-maker, caregivers, and support system, which is crucial for planning holistic care, especially in the Indian context where joint families are common.
Knowledge of family dynamics, such as authority (patriarchal/matriarchal) and residence, allows the nurse to navigate family communication respectfully and effectively when discussing patient care, obtaining consent, and providing health education.
What if? If a patient comes from a large joint family (a structural classification), the nurse must consider the influence of multiple family members in decision-making, unlike in a nuclear family where decisions might be limited to the spouse. This affects how health information is shared and who is involved in the care plan.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully and note the negative keyword 'NOT'. This means you are looking for the option that does not fit with the others.
Recall the standard sociological bases for classifying families. Think about how sociologists categorize family units.
Evaluate each option: 'Structure' (nuclear/joint), 'Ancestry' (patrilineal/matrilineal), and 'Residence' (patrilocal/matrilocal) are all established classifications.
Consider the option 'Religion'. While religion influences family life, it is not a category for classifying the type or structure of a family in the same way as the other options.
Conclude that Religion is the outlier and therefore the correct answer to this 'NOT' question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Bases of Family Classification in Sociology
Stem keywords: classification of family, basis
Lead-in keywords: NOT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a basis for family classification.

QA2_85QJnZg_4NQjKjeyZz

E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 152-154, 151-153