Definition Of Family Essay

Definition Of Family
There are several different definitions of the word family in the dictionary, but that
does not necessarily mean one needs to be blood related to be considered as family. Anything can be
considered as family.There are many aspects that define the word family such as love, loyalty, and
compassion .
Being considered family requires love, or a passionate affection for another person.
It does not necessarily require parents to be considered family; the love can come from a
parent also. The way a single parent can sacrifice their needs for their child, or even go
without eating just to make sure their child eats, shows love that only a single parent family could
truly understand. For example, a single mother would...show more content...
Best friends give their honest opinions because they want what's best
for their friends. For example, a high school graduate straight out of school was trying to decide
whether
to go straight to college or take a break from school. While all of his friends were encouraging him to
stay out of school and party, stating that he had all his life to attend college, his best friend
encouraged
him to attend college. The best friend explained that it would be his most beneficial decision he can
make to go straight to college, and the friend stayed loyal by his side while he made his decision. Pets
and best friends both can show loyalty and make them great assets to family.
Compassion is a huge aspect of being a family . A single father shows compassion by his
concern for his child. A compassionate father tend to go the extra mile to read to their child every
night
so they will not struggle in school , or even keeping them in sports and buying whole foods so their

child will grow up to have a healthy lifestyle. Compassionate parents take the extra step because
their compassion for their child is strong. Adoptive parents also show compassion, by striving
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Definition Essay On What Family Means
What family truly means
The definition of family to society is; all the descendants of a common ancestor, however that
definition is wrong in my opinion. Family means a special bond or connection between a person.
You can be yourself and can trust them with all your heart and soul and never challenge or question
their loyalty.
Family means more than just blood related relatives or cousins around the neighborhood. There is
a greater meaning behind the word. Society has been relatively wrong these past generations. So
what happens when you have no "family"? don't have to worry about this issue, because family are
also friends who will always care for you and will always be by your side through hell and back.
Family will come out of

Family Essay : The Meaning Of The Word Family
The definition or meaning of the word family seems to differ from person to person depending on a
person's cultural values, experiences, and upbringings. A person's significance of the word family
impacts its meaning from an individual perspective. But collectively, the meaning of the word
family is a psychological position, role, and relationship between two or more people. For some
people, there are a set of expectations, commitments, and loyalties associated with the position or
relationship. But for me, the definition of family, are those individuals related to me through my
parents. Along with friends that have influenced my life in the past and continue to do so toward
the future. I consider many of my friends from high school, college, and the military as part of my
extended family. But I also believe that family members should hold a certain level of affection or
love for each other. Moreover, the meaning of the term has evolved from being a genetic
relationship to a mindset of many roles. Throughout history, the meaning of the word family has
evolved from a simple commonly used meaning derived from a community dictionary. This simple
definition once used to define family only meant "all the descendants of a common ancestor" or
simply said "blood relatives." The word eventually evolved to include spouses, which in turn, caused
two different ancestries to combine as one family. Even after combining ancestries through marriage,
the word's meaning continued to evolve

Definition Essay On Family
What does family mean? On Dictionary.com, family means "a basic social unit consisting of
parents and their children." Family is all about being together to help each other. Connections
inside of a family is what ensures a secure environment for children to feel safe in. In order for a
child to feel safe, the basic needs a family should provide care, support, and time.
The first thing that is important in a family is caring. Other people would think caring is about
being there for them, but that is not the case. Caring is different when it comes to family. When a
child has a health issue, parents wouldn't go to work and get an adult to watch them. The parents
would want to stay with their child to make them feel strong and get better. Parents worry more
about their child's health than they do their own health. Siblings are another important part of
caring in a family. Having a sibling, you can talk to instead of your parents about your problems.
It's good to have a close connection with your siblings, so that they can help you during your hard
times. However, being a family isn't only about one person's problem; it's about giving good
advice. Family advice is always about providing positive sayings and not always about being
negative. When I have a...show more content...
Although nowadays parents are usually working and children are out with their friends, families
should still make the effort to have dinner with each other. Having dinner with each other promotes
a better bond. A bond is sacred to ensure the family's well–being with each other. Another way to
spend time with your family is going on trips, which brings your family together. My family trips
are a tradition, it's where we can have a fun time and bring us together. Without spending time with
each other, families will be unable to know and understand each other well enough to be able to
defend each other when facing

Family Definition
Beliefs about Definition and Membership Regarding Family
Family is a group of people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. This is the definition
adopted by the U.S. government, and I believe it is the most accurate. Family holds a sense of
commitment over time. This excludes friends, significant others, and pets. Friends may come in and
out of your life, especially after moving or significant life transitions. Boyfriends and girlfriends are
open to walk away once the relationship is not going as they would like since there is not the
commitment of marriage. Yet,family is bound by one of the initial criteria through all stages and
circumstances of life. You may have very close friends that feel like family, but the feeling along
...show more content...
I like pictures, videos, demonstrations, anything that will help me to visualize concepts. I can
remember things much better if I have a way to see it in my mind, whether than is visioning the
spelling of word when I try to write it or thinking of a concrete example that goes along with the
concept. I think that my instinct would be to teach this way as well because that's what works for me.
As I mentioned, using visuals is very helpful for me. But more than that, I think that practicing
what I am learning is the best way for me to understand something. For example, if I am learning
about how to knead bread, it is helpful for me to watch a demonstration first, but then I need to
physically knead the bread in order to put the entire concept together. Watching alone only gets me
part way there. I would really like to use a more kinesthetic, hands on approach in my own
classroom someday. I like to be up and active and having others do things along with me, and I
think most people learn well doing hands on activities. I would incorporate other helpful methods
along with using movement, though. I know for myself that I need that visual guidance first,
whether that is watching someone or even reading instruction, but if I just listen to someone explain
the process, I most likely will miss a lot of key pieces of information. So, my goal would be to use
both visual and auditory elements to introduce

Definition Essay About Family
When you think of the term "family", you will most likely think of a group consisting of parents
with a child or children living under one household. And while all this could be true, it is not the
only way or the correct way family could be defined. Family is more accurately described as a group
of people who, is not related by blood nor marriage but, sincerely care and love one another. Family
that will help you every step of the way, and give unconditional support you can't find anywhere else.
Families have existed since the beginning, and almost everything in our lives involve the term
"families". In religion, some groups are known as a "family" of believers. In science, family is an
example of Systematic Classification, such as, Hominidae is a family of humans. Or more
specifically, you have a group of friends who you can trust with your life, and will stick with you no
matter what happens to you. Some might consider them their second family because they might not
get that attention when they go home.....show more content...
Jim Butcher, an American author, once said " I don't care about whose DNA recombined with
whose, when everything goes to hell, the people who stand by your side without flinching, they are
your family.' And I believe that what he said is dead on

The word family means everything you could ask of a person and more. The real definition of
family is, "a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household". This
definition of family is not the one a use. Family to me is everyone who is there for you, blood or
not. I consider my close best friends as family because they are always there, and I know I can come
to them. I also consider most people who are related to me by blood family. However, since I
don't talk or really know my biological father, I don't consider him as a part of my family and I
never will. I think it's important for people to know that you are able to choose your family and
block out those that you know you should. The best thing to do is to make sure

Definition Essay Family
According to the Merriam–Webster dictionary the definition of a family is a group of related people
including people who lived in the past. A family is just like a tree with many branches and you
cannot choose the branches that wither and die. To be a family does not necessarily mean you have
to be related by blood. My family started off as a big, beautiful, healthy green tree, but when the two
most important branches withered away the tree lost its luster. For my family my grandparents were
the foundation, they kept the family together and happy. When they were living their house was our
meeting place for Sunday dinner, birthday parties, and everything else. There is an African Proverb
that says "A family is like a tree, it can bend but

Definition Essay Family
The Dictionary definition of family is "A group consisting of parents and children living together
in a household." My definition of family is people with an unconditional love for each other. My
family and I have always been very close. For example, we share all of our secrets with each other.
Since I can remember, my family and I have always went on a family beach trip to Panama City
Beach. We stay at the Shores of Panama, a very nice resort, and the people who own it expect us
every year. We always take our beach trip in early September. The reason they decided on
September is because it is the beginning of fall which means it will be warm instead of hot. I look
forward to going to the beach with my family every year because it is relaxing, fun, and all about
family time which I love....show more content...
We always stop and get breakfast at McDonalds in Dothan, Alabama which is the half way marker.
We are always so excited that we make as few stops as possible on the way. The first thing we do
when we arrive at the beach is drop all of our bags and take a nap while my mom and dad go to the
grocery store. We schedule our beach trip to be a week–long, which a week at the beach can be too
much at times. My favorite thing to do at the beach is relax in a beach chair and dig my toes
through the sand as the water hits them. My family and I always line our chairs up and put our
music player in the middle of us, which is playing our favorite Pandora station, the old school
throwback hits. I usually fall asleep and wake up looking like a

Defining Family Essay
Determining family structure and dynamics as well as defining the family is a complex process.
Personally, I come from a very traditional family. Much like the assumptions made by the students in
the article Defining Family: Young Adults' Perceptions of the Parent
–Child Bond by Mellisa
Holtzman (2008). This is what comes to mind when most people define family; a nuclear family, with
married parents, and biological children. However, a family is a complex system and can take on
many different forms. Today, in a world of the "postmodern family" the traditional lines of family
structure are blurred. Children may come from diverse types of homes, or a couple, married or not
may choose to have no children and consider...show more content...
Living with extended family members has also been publicized lately in relation to the poor
economy. Young adults who typically lived on their own after college are moving back in with
their parents, older adults on fixed incomes that do not go as far as they once did are living with
their children. This is a definite shift in the traditional family. Having graduated and moved out on
my own prior to the economic decline I have learned to live with less, but having known that was
coming I would have considered living at home longer. My siblings have or are planning on moving
back in with our parents after college graduation to get ahead money–wise. This is a stressor on not
only the individuals as a lack of feelings of freedom, but also an adaptation by the family as a
whole that was unplanned years ago. It is my belief that recognizing any family structure or
definition is important, as the traditional version may be skewed in so many ways, without
knowing or recognizing the "family" that people we run across may come from. We can also learn
from other family definitions to build upon our own themes, rules, and beliefs. Adding stigma and
prejudice toward families different from our own not only alienate the members, but can add
unnecessary stress upon that family system. Stress in any family system can be seen as either an
adaptation potential or a negative force. Many effects on the

Family Definition with Classification Essay
My Definition of Family with Classification
The definition of "family" may differ from one person to the next. Even the various dictionaries
have multiple definitions for the simple yet ever so complex word. The Oxford English Dictionary's
etymology of the word family comes from the Middle French famile, beginning in 1337 with family
being defined as a group of people living under the same roof, household, in 1442–44 included a
group of people related by blood, 1580 a group of people related by blood or marriage and living
under the same roof, 1658 a group of people who share a common philosophy and in 1676, a group
of genera of plants or animals which share certain general traits (Simpson and Weiner). In this paper
I will endeavor...show more content...
Being bounced back and forth between foster homes and state run facilities, many of these
children would and do consider the kids in the "system" their family. While writing and
researching this paper I have had the opportunity to speak with my own family members and
friends about what they believe family means. A close friend of mine told me that she believes the
word family describes those who you feel connected to emotionally, who do not necessarily need to
be related, but someone you trust and love. A co–worker described her idea of family to be those
who are there for her through thick and thin that support her decisions and love her for herself, she
feels many of her closest friends to be part of her "family". Many of my friends are ex–military and
they feel the people they served with to be an extended family that will be in their lives forever, the
bonds and relationships formed during their years of service together created another definition of
family for them. My mother and father although divorced many years ago, tend to define family as
"blood relation", which I feel is not uncommon for their generation and they continue to try and keep
track of all their living relatives. Whereas my definition of family has moved more to my immediate
family, which includes grandparents, parents, my wife and her nuclear family.
I feel attitudes towards what family means over the centuries is directly related to the

Family Definition Essay
I think society's definition of a family is greatly being challenged and redefined. I think the
"traditional" definition of a family is a mother, father, and their children, but as mentioned before
society's new definition is now a lot broader than that. Ideally, I would say a family follows the
traditional method, not because that's the "norm," but because I believe that is the best environment
for a child to grow up in, being influenced and taught by both a mother and a father figure. I'm also
aware that this is becoming more of an anomaly. I think the traditional definition is often reinforced
by the media through movies and TV shows so that is why it is often viewed as the standard, but
again that is beginning to change. On example,...show more content...
With that being said because of my beliefs I do not agree with same sex marriage or having children
out of wedlock. I feel this way, not only because of my spiritual beliefs, but also as said before I
think it can create an unstable environment for the children. I have seen this in the lives of several
people who are close to me as well as life experience. I also feel this way about divorce, unless the
marriage is abusive. I think God's definition of marriage and family is what is best for us, and the
model I hope to follow one day in my own marriage and family. Further, because of life
circumstances that is not always the case, so I highly respect single parents who work hard to do
what is best for their children and juggle work and their families without much help. I also hold in
high regard extended family members who step in to raise children. Lastly, I think a family is
designed to provide stability, emotional support, and love to its members. Ultimately a family
should be a safe place, where everyone is loved and cared for. Sociologists have a much broader
definition of family than I do, but at the same time a sociologist's term is more technical in terms of
the function of the

The definition of family to me are the people who are in my life loving, supporting and caring for
myself and others in my family. My personal definition of family goes against the traditional
definition as I believe nonblood related people are considered my family (i.e., really close friends).
There are many changes in the American family over the last several decades that demand a change
to the definition of family. There are more gay and lesbian couples forming families, people of
different races marrying and more women who are single raising children without a male partner
(Seccombe, 2015, p. 2). All of these are examples of how and why the definition of family is
changing. Additionally, American families are changing due to social trends

What is family? Fam–i–ly (fam'Й™ le, fam'le) n., any group of persons closely related by blood, as
parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins (Webster's 505). Who decided the definition of
family? Who has the say as to what family really means? As far as I'm concerned, anyone who is is
a big part of your life, could be considered family. Although the definition of family is someone
who is related to you by birth, blood doesn't decide who your family is, close connections and
support do.
Although family means different things to different people. To me, family isn't who is blood
related, but who is always there for you. According to Jagger and Wright from Erera's article "What
is Family?", "The groupings that are called families are socially...show more content...
According to James O.Wilson's article, "Cohabitation Instead of Marriage" he discovers that most
couples living together typically end in separation within two years (Wilson 476). When you're
young, you think you're in love and nothing will get in your way. With statistics like Wilsons', the
chance of two people living together with a long term relationship are slim. In fact today 1 in 3
American children are born to unmarried mothers (Kefalas 487)For example, my parents were not
married until I was three. I was the flower girl in their wedding that ended in a divorce. Although my
parents were together longer than statistics show, you could tell their commitment and was was not

Since the united stated has become so diverse that the definition of family has change, therefore, in
my perspective, culture background, and personal experience, a family is not only blood related that
lives in the same household but also someone that has been by my side showing empowerment
through rough times. Therefore, I perceive the definition of family as, someone who, has seen the
good and the bad side of me and still accept me who I am with judging me. Someone that has helped
me through a difficult situation without asking anything in return. A family that is very supportive,
therefore, making me believe in myself and feel very motivated to keep me going every day even
though sometimes my life was difficult in this country. furthermore,...show more content...
Due to the fact that, my parent's socio–economic status is the federal poverty line. I say a poor
working class because I have a job but also does my parents. None of my parents have a careers. My
parent's jobs generally provide us with the means to barely scrape by, surviving
paycheck–to–paycheck. Earning enough to pay for the bills and utilities. As a poor working class
my parents sometimes have swallowing their pride to receive services such as food stamps or
visit food banks. The society even makes it seem like they are to be blamed for their
circumtances, but nobody ask why the society oppresses the poor. My parents are considered and
so do I poor working class because we are seasonal farm workers or sometimes entirely out of work,
tirelessly seeking employment and relying on other means to survive.
When I was small my parents and I moved a lot but we tended to live in poorer neighborhoods.
There was no fast food, grocery stores, and park close. but lucky enough that the school were closed
enough. but mostly consist of in the poor neighborhood, the community consist of Hispanics and
field workers. But also African– Americans like two blocks away. I have to say that the
neighborhoods that I grew up where not a safe environment to raise a child due to violence. My
neighborhood really didn't consist of the white

What Is A Family? Essay
The word "family" is unique, special, and controversial among different cultures and ethnicities. As
defined by Random House Western Dictionary, a family is "any group of persons closely related by
blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins" (Dictionary.com). Although the definition
from Random House follows the infamous proverb of, "blood is thicker than water," my definition of
family does not. Family is not defined or restricted by blood relations. In my mind, a family is
simply a group of people, who loves, supports, and helps each other unconditionally, and endlessly.
Regardless of one's sexual orientation or preference, all families embody these common principles.
Thus, a family unites its members through the strong...show more content...
My family is only restricted to my mother, friends, and professors. These people have influenced
my life in so many ways possible that words can never describe. For instance, I have a father,
brother, and sister who are still alive and breathing. But why do I not consider them my family?
Although we share similar physical characteristics and genetics, our values and morals do not
blend or interchange. Both my siblings and father have caused a lot of dilemmas and problems
within the family such as excessive gambling and drinking. One problem that still exists, deals
with the sixty thousand dollar robbery committed by someone who I no longer refer to as my
sister, but as a criminal. She stole my mother's money to do who knows what and till this day is still
unresponsive and denies of the? theft when all evidence points to her. Family does not steal and lie
from its members. Betrayal and dishonesty are qualities that do not belong in a family. Family is
dependable and protects against the inhumanity within all people. Protection becomes susceptible to
failure when an act of disloyalty starts from within. Although many people define a family by blood
relations, an authentic family is one that does not inflict permanent pain and damage amongst its
members. Acknowledging that a true family has problems, there also must be limits and boundaries.
At the end of the day, family lives

Definition Of Family Essay
You never know what something really means until you experience it. Like the definition of
family. Family doesn't mean you have to be joined by blood, you don't have to be related
biologically. Family for me is unity. Having money & luxuries doesn't compare to family. You can't
buy a family. Family will unconditionally be there for you, even when you do a wrong. Someone
once said, "Family: Where life begins and love never ends." I agree with this quote because I can
relate to it. Family is a beautiful thing and people just have to open up to experience it.
My definition of family is having people there for no matter. Feeling loved and joined with them,
regardless if biologically or not. On the other hand, the dictionary is a tool we use when we don't
know what something is or means. The definition of "Family" in the dictionary is "a basic unit
consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the
traditional family." I think my definition is better than the dictionary's...show more content...
About 4 years ago, my uncle passed away. . I never ask why because everything happens for
reason. We don't visit family every weekend we're busy people and I'm sure they are too, but in
that moment it's like family stopped all that to come together and be united. Everyone needed
each other my closest friends were there for me as well they are my family. It was a beautiful
thing to see in this is why I know family will always be there. I am old enough and mature enough
to understand that everyone looks at things differently. Family may not be number one to most
people. Maybe stages or experiences in their life made them think differently. Honestly, it's
something that I will take with me forever. It's my lifestyle norm, my definition. It's what's
fundamental to me and it's what's going to make me strive, knowing that I have family, people who
care for me. It's

The dictionary definition of family is, "a group of parents and children living together in a
household." The definition of my family, on the other hand, would be something along the lines of,
"a group of crazy parents and wild children living amongst several different households." My
parents divorced when I was young, my dad got remarried, my mom got remarried, my dad got
divorced again, and then my dad got married again. Throughout all of the marriages I also acquired
seven younger siblings along the way. Though the environment and family in which I have been
raised is far from conventional, it has made me the open–minded, well–rounded person I am today.
My dad was in the army at the time my mom was pregnant with me, so instead of being

When you hear the word family, what are the thoughts come to your head? Maybe words such as
blood, loving, nurturing; or even in some rare cases, overbearing, ashamed, and disgraceful. We all
have a different perspective of what family means to us, but a common trend that most families
exhibit is that a family is a unit of protection, a support system and that every family has its flaws.
For most, "family is always first and forever" and we will do anything to protect them. If we see a
family member down or hurt, it is the natural instinct to want to jump in and protect your own.
Animals and humans alike are very protective of their own kind, especially their children. For
instance, a mother kangaroo carries her Joey in her pouch to shield him from the dangers of the wild
until the Joey is ready to protect themselves on their own. The same applies to human families as
well. If something were...show more content...
For instance, during 9/11, which was a major crisis for the United States, many people were
devastated because they had just lost someone close to them. Many people turned to each other
for comfort and support in one of their lowest times and we were able to rise up see strength
through unity, even at a moment as dark as that one. Another example of this is that we rather
turn to someone we know and receive financial assistance, instead of someone else, which would
usually result in us not asking for the help. Our family members are usually the ones who help us
out in desperate times. For instance, I had an aunt who needed help purchasing equipment to
successfully complete her house back home in Jamaica, and us being a family, of course, stepped
in to help her. My mother was able to step in, be as helpful as she could and gave her the money
for her to complete her home, all the way back home in

What Is A Family? Essay
For most of us, the family is considered as a well–known and comfortable institution. The perfect
model of the 'ideal' family is still mostly considered to be consisted from two different sexes'
parents, and one or more children. Until quite recently, the sociology of the family was mostly
functionalist and just in the last few decades has been challenged from various directions. There are
many different definitions about what the family is. Different theoretical positions influence these
variations. For example, the functionalist sociologist George Peter Murdock defines the family as "a
social group characterized by common residence, economic co–operation and reproduction. It
includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain...show more content...
An early functionalist George Murdock argued that the family plays the main role in the society by
performing three main functions– пЃ¶Stabilisation of the sexual behaviour and reproduction.
пЃ¶Providing the basic economic requirements. пЃ¶Serving the function of socialisation of the next
generation. G. Murdock claimed that without family serving these three functions the society would
disappear. He considered these functions as universal, although he agreed that they could develop.
Talcott Parsons argues this statement, by saying, that there are two broad functions of the family–
primary socialisation and stabilisation of the adult personality 'throughout the emotional security,
including sexual expression, provided by marriage' (O'Donnell, 1997). In these days, when society
is changing, the functionalistic statements lose their strength. For example, the sex outside the
marriage, in these days of easily available contraception, is no more the taboo. Margaret Mead
argues Murdock's and Parsons imply that nuclear family is biologically necessary and natural. She
stated that the nuclear family is based on culture, not biology. Marxist views on the family Marxists
have very critical view of the family and society. They adopt a structural perspective, but put it in
the class nature of the society. The starting point for the most Marxist analyses of gender and the
family is Friedrich Engels' (1820–1895) The Origin of the

Definition Of Family Essay

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Definition Of Family Essay