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slightly below the mean (3.9) in size. Beanpole configurations include
members from several generations, but with few members in each gen-
eration. For instance, the highest share of grandchildren is found in
Beanpole configurations (1.27). The number of children-in-law is large
(0.90), highlighting the fact that respondents in Beanpole configurations
are centred on the entire nuclear family of their children. Not surpris-
ingly, Beanpole configurations are the largest configurations (5.7).
Extended conjugal configurations are centred on the partner (0.77), the
respondent’s own parents (mother 0.43 and father 0.28) and her/his
parents-in-law (0.58), as well as on siblings-in-law (0.48) and collaterals
(0.64). In terms of size, they are in second place (5.2), just behind
Beanpole configurations. One type of configuration (Sibling-oriented) is
dedicated to sibling relationships (sisters 1.11 and brothers 0.82) and is
of average size (4.0). A strong presence of siblings is also associated with
a weak presence of partners (0.58). Friendship configurations are about
friendship with many female friends (1.16) and male friends (1.10), and
are of average size (4.0). Work- oriented configurations include many col-
leagues (0.86). In addition to work-related ties, friends are often men-
tioned (female friends 0.33 and male friends 0.23), as well as other
non-kin (0.63). It should be noted that partners are often absent (0.56).
The last type is made up of a large variety of ties and is therefore named
Mixed. In Mixed configurations there is often no partner (0.54), as in the
Sibling-oriented and Work- oriented configurations, and a coexistence of
kin and non-kin. Among kin, respondents include collaterals (0.22),
mothers (0.41), fathers (0.31), sisters (0.28), and brothers (0.18). Among
non-kin, friends are often mentioned (female friends 0.33 and male
friends 0.20). Above all, the category of ties which stands out is the resid-
ual category of “other ties” (1.27), comprising ties which are not men-
tioned by at least 4% of the respondents, namely ex-partners, stepfamily
members, grandparents, and fictive kin. The size of Mixed configurations
is quite large (4.9), but not as large as the Beanpole and Extended conjugal
configurations.
Overall, there is a diversity of configurations. As other studies (Aeby
et al. 2014 ; Pahl and Spencer 2004 ; Viry 2012 ; Wall and Gouveia 2014 ;
Widmer 2010 ) have shown, we find that the family of procreation and of
origin is important for many individuals: two configurations are related
G. Aeby et al.