Unit 1 Notes: Family Structures and Values (AP Spanish Language and Culture)

La familia nuclear

A family structure consisting of parents/guardians and their children living as a single household unit.

La familia extendida

A family structure that includes relatives beyond parents and children (e.g., grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins), often involved in daily life.

La familia monoparental

A single-parent family in which one parent/guardian leads the household.

La familia ensamblada

A blended family formed after divorce/remarriage, often including step-parents and step-siblings.

Hogares multigeneracionales

Households where multiple generations live together (e.g., grandparents, parents, and children under one roof).

Estructura familiar (family structure)

How a family is organized—who lives together, who makes decisions, who earns income, and who provides emotional/practical support.

Rol familiar (family role)

The expected responsibilities and behaviors of a family member (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, etc.), shaped by culture and circumstances.

La crianza

Child-rearing understood as both guidance and character formation (teaching values and behavior, not just providing care).

El respeto

A value shown through polite language, listening, and acknowledging elders’ authority; often influences how conflict and rules are handled.

La responsabilidad

A value emphasizing contributing to the household, succeeding in school, and helping care for siblings or relatives.

La confianza

Trust within the family—the sense that family members can rely on each other; often linked to communication and decision-making.

La solidaridad

Solidarity/mutual aid within a family or extended network (sharing responsibilities like childcare, transportation, housing, or advice).

Expectativas de género

Beliefs about what men and women “should” do in the family (housework, childcare, working outside the home), which can vary and change over time.

Machismo

A broad concept sometimes used to describe traditional expectations of masculinity; should be used carefully and defined to avoid stereotyping.

Marianismo

A broad concept sometimes used to describe traditional expectations of femininity (often tied to purity/self-sacrifice); not universal and should be used with nuance.

Tú vs. usted

A choice of address that can signal closeness vs. formality/respect; some families use usted with older relatives (varies by community).

Apodos y términos cariñosos

Nicknames/endearments (e.g., abuelita, mijo/mija, cariño, corazón) used to express warmth and closeness.

Términos de parentesco (kinship terms)

Specific family words that help describe relationships precisely (e.g., suegros, cuñado/a, padrastro, madrastra, hermanastro/a).

Es como de la familia

A phrase meaning “(someone) is like family,” used to describe close non-relatives without claiming a literal family relationship.

Quinceañera

A coming-of-age celebration for a girl’s 15th birthday in many communities; often marks growing responsibilities and social identity (not just a party).

Familismo

Strong identification with, loyalty to, and prioritizing of family; often emphasized through shared celebrations and support networks.

Padrinos

Godparents/sponsors who may provide support, mentorship, and long-term commitment, especially in religious milestones (and sometimes beyond).

Día de los Muertos

A tradition (especially in Mexican communities) centered on remembering and honoring deceased loved ones as part of family identity; not the same as Halloween.

Ofrenda

An altar/display for Día de los Muertos, often including photos, candles, and meaningful items to honor deceased relatives.

La sobremesa

Time spent talking together after a meal, highlighting connection and conversation as part of family gathering traditions.