Survey sees Beckhams as best family example

The Beckhams are now seen as the best representation of the modern family, according to a new survey in England.

One in five people said they consider David and Victoria’s brood as the best example of a 21st century kin, followed by TV chef Jamie Oliver’s family, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s clan.

Hands-on parents the Beckhams are often photographed together out with their three sons and daughter and regularly praise the support they receive from their family unit.

And Pitt and Jolie, who have six children together including twins, helped to boost the profile of adoption, with three of their children adopted internationally from Vietnam, Cambodia and Ethiopia.

Behavioural expert Mark Earls said: “Contrary to those who have bemoaned the decline of the family as a key pillar of our society, family is alive and well - it just comes in many more different shapes and sizes than it used to including the ’blended’ or ’Brady Bunch’ family, which consists of one or more adults with their own children and those from previous relationships.

“Ultimately, what we want for our families is what we’ve always wanted for those we love – health and happiness. However much the shape and the structures and the participants shift, it seems these same old truths abide. The family is here to stay.”

The study of 2,071 adults by Matalan also found nearly half (49%) of pet owners considered their dog to be an important member of their family.

The results, compiled by YouGov, revealed that their pet was more important to them than their in-laws.