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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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It depends on the type of family and approach

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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.
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Context

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

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. [1]

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.

Premises

[P1] The family you are born into has a different dynamic to the one you enter into when you procreate. [P2] Therefore, one sociological definition of a family cannot apply to both. [P3] Therefore, the sociological definition of a family depends on the type of family under consideration.

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.

References

  1. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology2ndedition/chapter/chapter-14-marriage-and-family/
This page was last edited on Monday, 29 Jun 2020 at 00:34 UTC

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