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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

< (2 of 6) Next position >

Polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships are widespread

Any definition that excludes the possibility of polygamy within a family unit falls short.
< (2 of 4) Next argument >

Context

Any sociological definition of a family must be able to accommodate the ubiquity of non-monogamous relationships across cultures.

The Argument

In his work, George Peter Murdock found that 195 societies in his sample were non-monogamous, while only 43 were comprised of monogamous couples. Therefore, his sociological construct of the family needed to reflect the prominence of polyamory. In defining the family unit as a shared residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction, he was able to accommodate non-monogamous relationships where multiple sexual partners lived under the same roof and took part in domestic responsibilities.

Counter arguments

Premises

[P1] Many families across the world are not monogamous. [P2] Therefore, any definition must allow for monogamous relationships. [P3] Even polygamous relationship share a home, have a degree of economic cooperation, and reproduce. [P4] Therefore, Murdock's classic definition of a family is the most accurate.

Rejecting the premises

References

This page was last edited on Sunday, 28 Jun 2020 at 23:26 UTC

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