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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
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What is the sociological definition of a family?
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Families are defined by what they do

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Families provide support

Families provide emotional and financial support unconditionally to members of a family. The trust a group of people has for functioning as a support system for each other is what makes a family a family.
Anita Vangelisti
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Context

Families have a duty to nurture and protect their members through the challenges of life. Families must provide support—both financially and emotionally—in order to fulfill this duty.[1]

The Argument

The heart of familial relationships stems from the support system a family develops. Without a support system engendering love, companionship, and stability, a family will struggle to build proper familial bonds. As a result, families are defined by their role in building the support system integral to a healthy family. [1] Families provide financial support for stability and in times of need. Parents have a duty to provide the basic living necessities for their children while they are too young to do so themselves. Similarly, children have a duty to reciprocate the same care for their parents when they are too old to provide for themselves. Family members should also help financially struggling members in the extended family, so long as they don’t jeopardize their own stability. The acts of providing for a family member and being dependent on one are basic building blocks for the support system integral to the definition of a family. [2] Families provide emotional support. A child’s family is the most formative influence on their moral and psychological development. Therefore, parents and older family members should provide proper emotional support to better a child’s future character. Likewise, a child should reciprocate the same psychological support as their parents age. The emotional and psychological support that family members share exemplifies the support system that defines a family. [3]

Counter arguments

Others may contend that some families do not support each other. Family members can have divisive opinions on various issues from lifestyles, interests, political opinions, and attitudes. This division can lead to the cessation of financial, emotional, or general support between family members. In this instance, unsupportive blood-related family members are still considered a family by many societies and governments, including the United States. [4]

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/family/109754
  2. https://www.thesimpledollar.com/financial-wellness/supporting-family-members-in-need-without-hurting-your-own-financial-future/
  3. https://www.smartbeginningsmhc.org/Why-is-family-support-important-.html
  4. https://definitions.uslegal.com/f/family/#:~:text=A%20group%20of%20persons%20who,commitment%20to%20a%20domestic%20relationship.
This page was last edited on Tuesday, 6 Oct 2020 at 11:59 UTC

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