Family Structures in Mauritius: Diversity in a Multicultural Society

Mauritius hosts varied family forms reflecting its Indian, African, Chinese, and European heritage: Nuclear families (married couple + children) are most common. Extended families — multigenerational, especially rural. Single-parent families — rising due to divorce/separation. Blended families — stepfamilies from remarriage. Childless couples — by choice or circumstance. Live-in relationships — cohabitation without marriage, growing. Same-sex couples — not legally married but forming families; advocacy increasing. Transgender-inclusive families — emerging visibility. Urbanization, migration, and shifting norms continue to reshape family life. Each family is unique within this pluralistic society.