Zoe Adams

Chapter 1: The Meaning of Marriage and the Family

FHS 2400 - Period 2

QUESTION: WHAT IS A FAMILY?

Identify three people (it would be best if both sexes and a variety of ages were represented).

Individually, ask each person to define "What is a family?" Your paper should include your

subject’s gender, marital status, and approximate age as well as their complete response to the

question. In addition to those three definitions, include your own definition. Note: Most people

will try to give "simple" answers. Encourage them to give complete thoughtful answers.

ANSWER

Person A (Female, Aged 46, twice divorced and remarried): A family is a shared unit, connected

sometimes by biology and sometimes by love. It is a shared and mutual relationship which

provides service, support, love, friendships, care, and even monetary needs. A family is often our

lifeline throughout life regardless of how it’s formed.

Person B (Male, Aged 17, Currently in an unmarried relationship): A family can be many things.

In general, I would classify a family as a group of people who are brought together for a

common love. Whether that love be for each other, or even for playing a sport, that group is

considered a family. Being blood-relatives is not relevant. It is a mutual relationship in which

those involved provide love and care and support for each other, and they know that they will

always be there for each other. That is what family is to me.

Person C (Female, Aged 58, Married for 37 years): A family is brought together when two

people love each other and decide to have children together. Some families may be more

complex, but that is how I see a family. Family is there for you, no matter what. You should

always be able to count on your family, the ones that you love and care for, to help you when

needed. In the past, money has been tight for us. When I was younger and had only two children

at the time, both under the age of six, I wasn’t sure how the heck I would be able to provide

Christmas for my family. I had many friends and neighbors come together and provide it for us,

that is family to me. People who love you even throughout your hardships, and who will always

help you when needed.

Person D (Me, Female, Age 17, Single): “The Census Bureau defines a family as ‘a group of two

people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and

residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as

members of one family’ (U.S. Census Bureau 2011 m).” (Strong and Cohen, 2014, P. 11)

Although I do agree with parts of this statement, there is much of it which I do not agree with. I

do not believe that families must be related by birth or marriage or adoption, nor do they need to

be residing together. I don’t live with many of the people I would consider my family. My family

are the people who I trust with my life, and whom I love unconditionally. To me, family doesn’t

need to be connected in any way except for love, care, and support. People who have similar

interests, or hobbies, or even people who work together. A family supports each other in

everything, a family is bound by unconditional love. I believe that is what family is.

References
Strong, B, & Cohen, T. F. (2014). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships in a
changing society (12th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.