What is a family?
Everyone has one; or at least, came from one. But, how do you describe something that varies from culture to culture,or from small towns to big cities. Families have been changing constantly since the beginning of time.
The US Bureau of the Census (2005) defines a "family" as follows:
"two or more people....related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together in the same housing unit."
But, that clearly does not cover everyone who considers themselves part of a family.
Let's explore that, and other interesting tidbits:
Early families such as Royal Egyptians and English nobility have considered family to be so
important, inter marriage was insisted on.
It was crucial to keep money and power in the family.
As time went on, revolutions, sociatal changes, and economic shifts changed the way families came together.
Today, the idea of what a family is has emerged as controversial. Many religious leaders are holding stead fast to the idea of a nuclear family tradition as society's ground rule for families. Many right-wingers seem to feel the same. Humor
As we all know, the nuclear family of the 40's & 50's is shrinking rapidly. chart
The types of families in the United States:
Nuclear Family: consists of a traditional husband, wife, and their child or children.
Single Parent Family: consists of one parent, generally a female, but can be male,either biological or adoptive, who is the sole care giver for themselves and a child or children.
Blended Family: also known as a Step Family or Remarried Family: consisting of a family created when two people marry and at least one of them has been married before and there are children.
DINKS: these are dual income couples with no kids. There are many child free families.
Gay/Lesbian Family: consists of a same sex couple, married or not, with children or not.
Aging Family: consists of those 65 years old or above, involved with launching or relaunching children and sometimes raising of grandchildren.
Multigenerational Family: consists of a household of child, parent and grandparent. This family type is rising due to economical and medical issues.
Military family: consists of a household wher one or more of the members are in the armed forces, with or without children.
Clearly, the US Census has a weak definition, at best. What a family consists of will continue to grow and change. Its important as a nation we grow and change along with it.
We cannot escape group membership, including our families. The support, education, love and lessons of life that come from families needs to be honored and touched upon more often. To be a member of a family, we are reminded of our membership to a much larger group:humanity. We are connected to all those who live in the world.
If I have left anyone out, make sure I know about it please. No offense intended.
Peace.
Tell me about your family: