The definition of a family is intricate because people have different opinions on its makeup. There is no definite answer, and it ultimately relies on individual perspectives. Due to these various viewpoints, there is no universally accepted definition. According to the Vanier Institute, a family comprises two or more individuals who are connected over time and through mutual agreement. In contrast, Murdock's 1949 definition states that a family is a sexually active couple with one or more children.
In 1971, Burgess et al and Social Science provided different definitions of a family. Burgess et al defined it as "a group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood or adoption," while Social Science defined it as a group of "individuals who are related by affection, kinship, dependency or trust." Despite their differences, both definition
...s share the common factor that a family consists of at least two people. This suggests that having multiple individuals is now considered essential to what constitutes a family.
Personally, I align my definition with the Vanier Institute and the Social Science Institute. To me, a family is a group of individuals who choose to be together and share trust and love for one another. This can exist within romantic relationships, friendships, or kinship bonds. In my view, marriage or parenthood does not define whether someone belongs to a family. Given today's society, the definitions proposed by Burgess et al and Murdock would not encompass many of the diverse families in our community.
In our society, there is recognition of various forms of living that can still be categorized as a family. For instance, a family can now include a single mother
with two children. The reason behind this classification is their display of unconditional care and support for each other's needs. Jane Howard asserts that regardless of how you label it - clan, network, tribe, or family - everyone requires one. I personally agree with this viewpoint as there is no fixed definition for what makes up a family since each family has its own imperfections and unique attributes. Therefore, Jane emphasizes the significance of having individuals who love and care for you in your life irrespective of the appearance or composition of your family unit. Ultimately, these are the people who truly constitute your family.
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