A nuclear family is a family group that consists of a mother, a father (or one of these parents in the case of single-parent families), and their dependent children living together in the same household. This family structure is often considered the traditional or dominant family form in many Western industrialised societies, although diverse family arrangements are increasingly common. The nuclear family is typically characterised by close emotional bonds, economic cooperation, and the responsibility of the adult members for the upbringing and well-being of their children. It plays a crucial role in the socialisation of children and provides a primary source of social support for its members.