I need two terms that would describe (1) a family in which the parents are living together, and rearing the children together, and (2) a family in which the parents are no longer together, and are arguing in court about who has what kind and degree of control over the childrearing. The terms need to be (A) precise, (B) instantly comprehensible, (C) not legalese, and (D) as unjudgmental, noninflammatory, and unloaded as possible.
“Married couple” and “divorced couple” are probably fine on B, C, and D, but they’re unfortunately too imprecise: The issues I describe arise even with families in which the parents were never married (whether they’re an unmarried heterosexual couple raising their biological children, or an unmarried homosexual couple raising an adopted child or a child who is the biological child of one of the partners).
Another option is “intact family” and “broken family,” a pair that likely satisfies A, B, and C; but one reader opined that “broken family” might come across as too loaded and negative, a circumstance I’d like to avoid if it’s indeed a realistic concern. I don’t mind controversy, but I don’t want needless controversy. My point here is to describe the families, not to be seen as badmouthing one sort.
A third option is “intact family” and “non-intact family,” an option that likely satisfies A and D, but that seems too legalese and perhaps a bit harder to understand.
If you can (1) tell me whether you think “intact family” and “broken family” are satisfactory or whether they are too loaded or negative, (2) tell me whether you think “intact family” and “non-intact family” are satisfactory or whether they are too legalese, (3) give me a suggestion that you think is better, if you have one, I’d be much obliged. Many thanks!
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