standaardfamilie

Standaardfamilie refers to a traditional or idealized model of a family unit, often characterized by specific roles and structures. Historically, this model has frequently depicted a heterosexual married couple with biological children, where the father is the primary breadwinner and the mother is the primary caregiver. This depiction has been prevalent in media, societal norms, and even legal frameworks in many Western cultures.

The concept of the "standaardfamilie" has been influential in shaping societal expectations regarding family life, marriage, and gender roles. It often served as a benchmark against which other family structures were compared. However, this model is a simplification and does not reflect the diversity of family arrangements that have always existed and continue to evolve.

Contemporary understandings of family are far more expansive. They include single-parent households, same-sex parent families, blended families, cohabiting couples without children, multi-generational households, and chosen families. The shift away from a singular "standaardfamilie" acknowledges the varied realities and complexities of modern family life, recognizing that love, care, and support can be found in many different configurations. The term itself is often used critically to highlight the limitations of a narrow, prescriptive view of family.