Changing Family Structures in Urban Societies: Intergenerational Relationships, Care Responsibilities and Social Adaptation

Abstract

The process of urbanization is changing family structures through demographic transition, migration, labour market changes, technological advancements and shifting expectations. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on how these transformations affect household composition, intergenerational relationships, care responsibilities, and social adaptation in urban societies. The literature indicates a shift toward smaller and more diverse households, delayed family formation, greater residential mobility, and increasingly negotiated family roles. Intergenerational solidarity remains central, but support is more often exchanged across geographic distance through flexible combinations of emotional, financial, practical, and digital assistance. Caregiving has likewise moved beyond a predominantly private family obligation toward shared arrangements involving relatives, communities, workplaces, healthcare systems, and social services. These changes create opportunities for autonomy and resilience while also exposing persistent inequalities in unpaid care, housing access, digital participation, and formal support. Family adaptation is strengthened by community networks, flexible employment, digital health, multigenerational housing, and family-sensitive social policy. However, existing evidence remains fragmented, with limited longitudinal, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary research, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Future scholarship should integrate demographic, sociological, public health, technological, and policy perspectives to explain how urban change affects family well-being over time. Responses must be coordinated and implemented through policies that acknowledge and support various family structures, help to balance caregiving responsibilities, and strengthen intergenerational support while maintaining family bonds.