Extended families and the care of children and adolescents : an analysis based on the 2023 continuous PNAD and the 2022 Census

Abstract

This study analyzes the situation of children and adolescents living in extended family arrangements in Brazil, drawing on statistical analysis of microdata from the 2023 Continuous PNAD (National Household Sample Survey) and initial data from the 2022 Demographic Census. It begins with the observation that, while care provided by grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other close relatives is a common and socially recognized practice across various cultural contexts, there remains a lack of systematic information on this population in national statistics. Given the absence of a specific variable in official datasets to directly identify extended families, the research uses the kinship relationship between children/adolescents and the household reference person as a proxy. Based on this criterion, it is estimated that over 7 million children and adolescents in the country live in such arrangements, with the majority being cared for by grandparents, siblings, or other relatives. In addition to quantifying this population, the Technical Note outlines the sociodemographic profile of these children and adolescents—analyzing variables such as age, sex, race or color, geographic location, poverty status, access to education, and child labor—as well as the profile of the heads of household, highlighting age, education level, occupation, and labor market participation. The analysis highlights regional disparities and reveals that extended family arrangements are most prevalent among groups facing greater social vulnerability. The findings demonstrate the importance of this type of arrangement as a concrete strategy for care and protection, particularly among the poorest segments of the population, and underscore the need for institutional recognition and support through targeted public policies. The study aims to contribute to enhancing the initiatives of the National Intersectoral Group on Extended Family Care (GINFE) and to strengthening public debate regarding diverse and legitimate forms of care in Brazil.