Discuss the concept of Harper Lee's presentation of the American family. What does it consists of?

Harper Lee goes against the idea that the nuclear American family is somehow superior to other families. Atticus is a single father with a black maid, Calpurnia, considered part of the family. Calpurnia takes on the mother-figure in a dignified way. Miss. Maudie, a single woman not romantically attached to Atticus, is also a great influence in the family. Together they function as a familial unit. Scout and Jem are brought up to be progressive and conscientious people who, like their father, stand up for what is right and show empathy to those they do not understand.