According to Rapoport and Rapoport, what family structure is most common among couples with school-aged children?

The most common family structure among couples with school-aged children, as noted by Rapoport and Rapoport, is dual-income families. This reflects a significant trend in contemporary society where both parents are engaged in the workforce to support their household financially. This arrangement is often necessary due to the rising costs of living and the desire for families to maintain a certain standard of living, including access to quality education and extracurricular activities for their children.

In dual-income families, the economic contribution from both parents enables a higher degree of financial stability and provides more resources that can be allocated towards children's needs. This family structure has become increasingly prevalent as societal norms have shifted, allowing for greater acceptance of women working outside the home and pursuing careers alongside their male partners.

The context of contemporary labor markets, along with evolving gender roles, further solidifies the prominence of dual-income households, distinguishing them from alternative family structures like single-income families, extended families, or lone-parent families, which may not have the same financial leverage or support system available that dual-income families typically enjoy.