familys

Family is a socially recognized group that typically includes related individuals—by blood, marriage, or adoption—who live together or maintain close ties in daily life. While definitions vary across cultures and legal frameworks, families are widely understood to be primary agents of care, socialization, and support.

Common structural forms include the nuclear family (parents and children), extended family (including other relatives), single‑parent families, stepfamilies or blended families, and multigenerational households. Many people also belong to chosen families—groups of friends or associates who provide kinship‑like support.

Families perform core functions such as bearing and raising children; sharing income and resources; shaping identities and cultural norms; providing emotional support; and caring for dependents across the life span.

Legal and policy frameworks shape family life through marriage and parentage law, child custody, guardianship, adoption, taxes, welfare benefits, and immigration. Definitions of family can influence access to rights and services and may differ significantly across jurisdictions.

Global trends such as urbanization, gender equality, migration, and changing social attitudes have diversified family forms. While traditional two‑parent, opposite‑sex models remain common in many places, there is growing recognition of same‑sex couples, blended families, single parenting, and chosen families.

Because family concepts are culturally contingent and historically variable, the term encompasses a wide range of practices and structures.