What is a defining feature of Modified Extended Family?

A defining feature of a Modified Extended Family is that family members maintain contact but do not live close together. This type of family structure allows for a broader familial network that includes relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who may not reside in the same household or even in the same geographical area. The emphasis here is on the ongoing relationships and connections among extended family members, even if they live independently.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of a Modified Extended Family. Living in the same household is characteristic of a more traditional extended family, which differs from the modified version where distances may be involved, yet relationships remain strong. A Modified Extended Family is inclusive and does not solely consist of single parents; it may include a variety of family configurations. Additionally, describing it as a very small family unit is misleading, as it typically encompasses a wider range of relatives, albeit distributed over larger distances.