What is the sociological definition of a family?

Families of orientation vs families of procreation

Question: What is the sociological definition of a family?
Position‹5 of 6›: It depends on the type of family and approach
Argument1 of 3›: Families of orientation vs families of procreation

There is an important difference between the family you are born into, and the family you create with a lover.

The argument

A family of orientation is the family that a child is born into. This may be characterized by blood relations. A family or procreation is one that is formed through marriage. These distinctions are important when defining the sociological constructs of a family. Each family has its own criteria and must be considered as different sociological groupings.

Context

There are two types of families and each one has its own sociological definition.

Premises

[P1]A family of orientation is the family a child is born into, characterised by blood relations. [P2] A family of procreation is one formed through marriage, a different sociological grouping with its own criteria. [C] Therefore, because the definition turns on distinctions like families of orientation versus procreation, the sociological definition of a family depends on the type of family and approach.

Counter-arguments

While the distinction between families of orientation and procreation makes sense on an individual level, it does not make sense on a macro level. Beyond the individual, both families likely function the same way. They probably interact with society in the same way, and have many similar characteristics. Therefore, a sociological definition can be developed that is inclusive of both types of family.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] The two types of family are different from the perspective of the individual, but not in the way they function or interact with wider society.