The term "small family" typically refers to a nuclear family, which consists of parents and their children living together as a unit. This type of family is usually smaller in size compared to an extended family, where grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are also included. In some cultures or societies, the concept of small families may be more prevalent than others, but it generally refers to a close-knit group of individuals who live together and provide emotional and financial support for one another.