In general, a family can be described as a group of people who are united by a definite relation. In that regard, the family is possibly the most basic unit of social organization through which individuals mainly identify themselves (Collier, Rosaldo & Yanagisako, (2009). Although this definition seems straightforward, evidence from the different theories of a family offered in the course readings indicates that defining what constitutes a ‘family’ is a challenging matter.

In my view, I have always believed that a family consists of individuals with a biological relationship. Thus, whenever the term “family” is mentioned, I tend to think of the traditional extended and nuclear family. In this regard, two or more individuals who are related by marriage and birth, or adoption constitute a family. However, an unrelated person can join this union, live, and share emotional bonds, responsibilities, and shared values with these people (Edholm, 2009). In this case, the individual becomes part of the part of that family even though he or she has no marriage or birth relationship with it. Nevertheless, after studying the various reading presented in the course, I noted that my belief about The Family does not match entirely with the theories and definition offered by authors of the materials.

In Collier et al.’s article, the writers explore several works of theories on The Family. One of the most notable works examined by the authors is Bronislaw Malinowski’s The Family Among the Australian Aborigines.In this publication, Malinowski tried to separate the question of The Family’s universal existence from the issue of sexual behavior. According to Collier and his colleagues, Malinowski’s argument primarily suggests that evidence of sexual promiscuity is irrelevant in deciding whether a family exists (Collier, Rosaldo & Yanagisako, 2009). Additionally, Malinowski viewed The Family as a universal phenomenon as it is brought about by marital relationships, which fulfills human needs. These opinions fit into my belief that The Family is a universal institution that plays many roles in society.

However, the consideration of The Family as having a universal existence is an idea, which has been rejected by Collier et al.’s article. Instead, the authors viewThe Family as “a moral and ideological unit that appears, not universally, but in particular social orders” (Collier, Rosaldo & Yanagisako, 2009). Moreover, according to the authors, The Family is an individual’s representative refuge from the interruption of the public sphere, which continually threatens people self-determination and sense of privacy.

Notably, the readings demonstrate that the opinions and perceptions one has about The Family depend on a wide range of factors. In particular, one’s culture, socioeconomic status, and gender significantly influence the belief of The Family. In my community, for instance, it is believed that members of a family must have a place where they live, share ideas, and associate with each other. For example, writing aboutAustralian aboriginal families, Malibowski noted that families shared a single fireplace where parents taught their immature children as well as a home where young kids where elders nurtured young kids (Collier, Rosaldo & Yanagisako, 2009). Thus, the culture of a family living together has influenced my understanding of The Family concept.

Concerning gender, my perception of The Family is that it consists of a male and female who are the parents. These elders perform the function of nurturing their children until the kids become adult. However, culturally, both the man and the woman have different roles. For example, based on my observations, many Canadian families view the father as the head of the family. He provides for family and is often the “bread-winner.” The female parent, on the other hand, traditionally assists with house errands. Mostly, women take the task of caring for the children although the trend continues to change. A woman often has one husband whereas the man can have more than one wife(Collier, Rosaldo & Yanagisako, 2009). Thus, each child has a father and a mother, which is the reason I believe The Family is a product of marital relationships.

Similarly, my personal experiences have equally influenced my belief system about the family. First and foremost, my definition of The Family originated from the observation I have made about what the people I interact with intend to imply when they mention the term “family.” For example, in most cases, people mention “my family” to mean their parents, children, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles. Consequently, I came to believe that “The Family” mean individuals who are related by birth and marriage. However,from Edholm (2009), it is notable that the definition of The Family can extend beyond this view. According to the author, the term can mean a cultural institution or unit, which mediates the normative or proper structure of social relationships.

However, I believe that a family does not have to constitutea father, mother, and children. Instead, suppose a family includes kids and adults, one or more of the adults can play the role of a parent. In this regard, a carer or parent does not have to be one who has a biological connection with children. Additionally, a child who joins and lives in another family remains a family member of The Family to which he/she is born. Thus, children do not necessarily live with their parents all the time.

In conclusion, the definition of The Family seemsstraightforward. However, based on the theories of a family offered in the course readings, defining what constitutes a ‘family’ is a challenging matter. The simple definition that views a family as a group of people who are united by a definite relation may change based on factors such as one’s experiences and culture.

References

Collier, J., Rosaldo, M.Z., & Yanagisako, S. (2009). Is there a family? New anthropological views. In B. Fox (Ed.). Family Patterns: Gender Relations. Don Mills, ON: Oxford Canada. Retrieved from https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=VWd7B_KuD5YC&pg=PA76&lpg=PA76&dq=The+Family+is+a+moral+and+ideological+unit+that+appears,+not+universally,+but+in+particular+social+orders&source=bl&ots=gGMHk7TN6Z&sig=ACfU3U32jC15Ru-u9vtGEy8c_wtpJ_DiOQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRhICJgqDgAhWJ1eAKHXUQBYsQ6AEwAHoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false.

Edholm, F. (2009). The unnatural family. In B. Fox (Ed.). Family Patterns: Gender Relations. Don Mills, ON: Oxford Canada.

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