How can a definition can be given to a phrase that has different meaning for everyone? When someone thinks of a perfect family, chances are it looks like a mother, father, and kids all living together. This concept is not always the case for everyone. There are many circumstances people are placed in, which would limit them from being able to fit in this stereotypical connotation. A perfect family is defined as a group with two parents and their kids, but for me is a parent and kids. So what makes a family then? If you asked anyone they would probably give you a basic surface level answer of two parents and their kids. This answer is pretty close the definition found in an Oxford dictionary of “a group consisting of two parents and their children …show more content…
That is why this definition has different meaning depending on who you ask. Everyone goes through the loss of a loved one. Being human, it is inevitable that one day we will die but at a young age losing a parent is devastating and uncommon. One would expect to, first, lose a grandparent before a parent due to older age, sickness, injury, and many more common reasons. The one thing many people do not understand the strain of losing a parent when you are a child. You are losing a guardian, a provider, a resource, a shoulder to cry on, and so much more. So many will never understand the burden of not being able to have this perfect family image because it makes you different from everyone else. Being different is not a bad thing but in this case it is. You want to be just like everyone else and having both parents show up for your sports game or your music production. The endless question arises of “oh, where is your mom or dad?” and having to awkwardly explain the situation on a pretty daily basis. When every time you refer to a parent and it being your dad people start to get curious about your mom. That is why the perfect family image should not be a defined family presentation but more of how a family looks to you. For me my perfect family is my dad, younger brother, and I. In 8th grade my mom passed away from cancer and this was a big battle throughout high school. Always want to fit and blend in with
Family, the word itself brings images of love, comfort, and peace in mind. The foundation of the family is based on structure, care, and dependence. It is a combination of individuals striving to understand and love one another unconditionally. Sharing the same blood is no longer a requirement to be considered a family. In fact, the definition of family is evolving like never before. With most marriages ending in divorce, the majority of children will be reared in "nontraditional" families ( single parent, step-parent, etc.). It seems that now the only thing you need in order to be a functional family is love and trust, which can be found anywhere from a close friend to a pet.
Family used to be a single unit, consisting of a husband, wife and children. This unit was widely thought as a group based on marriage and biological parenthood as sharing a common residence and united by ties of affection, obligations, care, support, and a sense of common identity. However, due to the change in values, laws, family structure and social trends, the definition of family has been defined as a married or cohabiting couple with or without children living under one roof, children may be dependent or independent. (Office for national statistics) (2006)
One definition is “a significant social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children.” While such definition is a good starting point, some modern family structures are excluded by such definition. In her essay, “Family: Idea, Institution, and Controversy,” Betty Farrell apparently assumes that the traditional family has dramatically changed, and the dynamics of change—altered the definition of a “family.” A family is no longer a picture of a particular image of the mythic past, referring to the golden days of the “1950s.” It is no longer a father, mother and their biological children living together under one roof (and certainly not with the a breadwinner father and a stay-at-home mother). In today 's modern society, it is now common to see women raising their children by themselves without their husbands’ help; unmarried couples living together; and gay and lesbian couples—while far from being universally accepted—adopting and raising children to complete their families. Therefore, despite the children living in one-parent households, or they do not live with their “married-heterosexual-biological-parents” under the same roof—does not necessarily mean they are not families. Farrell states that “a family is defined not so much by a particular set of people as by the quality of relationships that bind them together.” In other words, Farrell believes that a “family” is more than just a collection
The word family cannot be described or translated by one single universal definition. Different people have different views and meanings as to what a family means to them, but however different all families share similar characteristics. The Oxford Dictionary describes a family as a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household of common descent (2014). However, in today's society, families are evolving and changing in the way that is much different than the traditional nuclear family. As noted by NY Times, in today's society a family can be comprised of a single mother or father, gay/lesbian couple, couples that are unmarried and living together with their children, inter-racial marriages and couples, raising kids from behind bars (incarcerated) and even going from friends to caretakers (Angier, 2013). The term family in today's society is so dynamic, and it is the responsibility of all obstetric nurses to understand the changing family dynamic to be able to assess and determine if the proper care can be given to a newborn based on the education level, psychosocial status, welfare and support of the patient so that the newborn can grow up in an optimal environment with their new family.
Family is a group of people like parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, spouses, siblings in law, parents in law and children in law. Who are considered to be related in some way such as by blood, by common ancestry, by descent or by marriage. There are two types of families, the nuclear and the extended family.
family was thought to be, or shown to the general public to be, the “perfect family”.
In a Utopian society most of us would rejoice in knowing that two people such as Mel and Kel who care so deeply for one another, have found each other and are willing to spend the rest of their lives together. Unfortunately we don’t live in a society of that quality and admiration. In any culture, it’s generally conceived that the family is the absolute core of a society. In that, the norms and values of a civilization are directly conveyed from one generation to another through this bloodline. But what exactly is a family? Are there distinct specifications, qualifications or even guidelines that govern the framework for what a family should be? In the Webster’s dictionary a “family” is clearly defined as: “the basic unit in society having as its nucleus two or more adults living together and cooperating in the care and rearing of their own or adopted children.
The book, “Marriages and Families: Diversity and Change, Chapter One: Marriages and Families Over Time,” by Mary Ann Schwartz and BarBara Marliene Scott help distinguish what the word family truly means and the different types of families that are experienced among the United States. Family is defined in many types of ways by everyone, such as, family is the person(s) who share the same blood or family is there when you need them at all times regardless if they share the same blood or not. Family is defined as any relatively stable group of people that are related to one another by blood, adoptions, marriage or by simply living together and provide each other with emotional and economical support according to Schwartz
How can a simple six letter word be so complicated to define? Family is a single word that is open to many interpretations depending on the individual. If you try to condense this ideal to a single clinical definition you end up excluding numerous members of society. What comes to mind when you think of the word family? While in the most broken down and literal sense, family means a relative with a blood or legal bond, the word family can encompass blood relations, adoptions, and even intentional relationships such as friendships. Economies, cultures, and backgrounds can further differentiate what one’s perception of a family is. For many people, including me, a family is so much more. It is the amount of commitment, cohesiveness, and importance
Family, a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. Although family is a concretely defined term, the idea of family varies from person to person. But, what makes a family? For those who are surrounded by loving blood relatives, for those who have never known the one to grant them life, for those who have left their blood behind for a more loving and nurturing environment, what can commonly define a family? Family is something defined by the individual. Family includes those who you have come to love, whether platonically or romantically, those you have suffered with, those you have come to respect, and most importantly those you have cared for and in turn have cared for you. To one that could mean people who
The unit of a family is the most prominent essential for all of us. As social human beings, we seek social support in order to thrive, and that is where family comes into play. A family is where you receive love, support, encouragement, and many other social benefits. The total number of households in the United States increased from 63 million in 1970 to 113 million in 2008 (Weeks, 2012). The family has influenced multitudes of people in many ways. The traditional family in the United States consists two-married individuals providing care and stability for their biological offspring also know as the nuclear family. However, the term of a true family has ultimately changed over the last 50 years especially for African Americans.
There are many things to love in life. Family and friends, pets and even hobbies can be loved. While I personally believe that love is a very strong word, I do have things I love. Please join me in learning more about myself as I explain why family and friends have a special place in my heart.
Family is defined by the text as “two or more persons living together and linked for financial or emotional support” (Barbour, Barbour & Scully, 2011). For my purposes family is defined as those with whom I maintain a close bond, whether or not they live with me. For example, I have a brother, who might be defined as :family” as we were raised in the same house, but I also have friends that I consider “family” based on emotional support I derive from their friendship.
Everyone seems to define family differently, however, the significance of family is the same. For you, family means everything. You can always count on your parents and siblings for help and love. Family is very valuable and important to you and should never be taken for granted. No one can deny that family is the foundation of our generation. A family is where we all start our life journey and helps us grow to be successful throughout our lives.
The definition of family is “It finds its origin in marriage; it consists of husband, wife, and children born in their wedlock, though other relatives may find their place close to this nuclear group, an the group is united by moral, legal, economic, religious and social rights and obligations” (Ravelli and Webber 283). My family fits perfectly into the definition of what a family is. My family is a nuclear family; I have a mother, father and