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What is the sociological definition of a family? What is the sociological definition of a family?
Family is the setting for socializing children Family is the setting for socializing children
Family means a shared residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction Family means a shared residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction
Family is dependency Family is dependency
Families are defined by what they do Families are defined by what they do
It depends on the type of family and approach It depends on the type of family and approach
Family has different meanings at different times Family has different meanings at different times
Families can take many forms Families can take many forms
Human infants are born with sensory capabilities, not innate reflexes Human infants are born with sensory capabilities, not innate reflexes
Families share these factors across cultures Families share these factors across cultures
Polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships are widespread Polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships are widespread
A common residence differentiates family from close friends A common residence differentiates family from close friends
The family is responsible for producing new members The family is responsible for producing new members
Families are dependent on each other for multiple forms of support. Families are dependent on each other for multiple forms of support.
Functional definitions of families are more inclusive Functional definitions of families are more inclusive
Families physically care for members Families physically care for members
Families control members Families control members
Families preserve a state of equilibrium Families preserve a state of equilibrium
Families provide support Families provide support
You cannot group all families under one sociological definition You cannot group all families under one sociological definition
Families of orientation vs families of procreation Families of orientation vs families of procreation
Micro, Macro, and meso definitions Micro, Macro, and meso definitions
The family unit is constantly evolving The family unit is constantly evolving
Debate Mini Map

What is the sociological definition of a family?
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Family means a shared residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction

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A common residence differentiates family from close friends

A shared residence is essential for the distinction of family from non-familial friendship groups.
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Context

The notion of a shared residence, or “household” must feature into any sociological understanding of a family. Without this important distinction, there is nothing to separate a family from a non-family social group.

The Argument

Not all households are families, but all families must have a household. A group of university students sharing accommodation are evidently not a family, even if they all chip in to pay bills. Therefore, a shared residence cannot be the only construct that goes towards creating a family, however, it is essential for the distinction from groups of friends and lovers that might be in a sexual relationship and economically entwined but do not share a residence.

Counter arguments

If the three criteria to become a family are shared finances, shared accommodation, and sexual relations, a group of students sharing accommodation could meet all the criteria. If they are engaging in sexual relations with each other, are sharing the payment of bills, and living under one roof, they would meet the criteria for a family group. Does this mean they can be considered a family for sociological purposes? Additionally, when children grow up and leave home, they are no longer be living under a shared roof as their siblings and parents, but few would say they stop being a family. Therefore, a shared residence should not be a critical component of a family.

Premises

[P1] Non-familial groups can be economically entwined, and in a sexual relationship, without being a family. [P2] Therefore, the additional criterion of a shared residence is essential for differentiating between non-familial groups and family units.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] This does not solve the issues. It is possible to be a non-family group with shared finances, shared accommodation, and a reproductive relationship. It is also possible to be a family without a shared accommodation.

References

This page was last edited on Sunday, 28 Jun 2020 at 23:35 UTC

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