familjeband

Familjeband, or family bonds, is a term used to describe the social and emotional ties that connect members of a kinship group. It covers affection, trust, obligation, and mutual support among relatives such as parents, children, siblings, and extended kin.

Etymology: The Swedish term familjeband combines familj (family) and band (bond). It is used in sociology and everyday language to denote the cohesion and obligations within a family network.

In many societies, strong familjeband shapes daily life and long-term outcomes. They influence caregiving arrangements, sharing of resources, and decisions about housing, education, and marriage. Family bonds also transmit cultural norms, values, and economic capital across generations.

There is variation across cultures and welfare regimes. In Nordic countries, family ties often operate alongside comprehensive public services, with formal rights and institutions supporting intergenerational care. In other settings, kin networks may be the primary safety net and source of support, sometimes extending beyond the household.

Scholars study familjeband as part of kinship, social capital, and intergenerational solidarity. Research examines cohesion, communication, conflict, and the balance between individual autonomy and family responsibility. Excessive obligation or conflict within strong familjeband can also have negative effects on well-being.