Definitions of family

Question 1

Kirby et al - 2000

Answer 1

The term family refers to a unit consisting of people who are related to each other - either biological, by notions of blood relations of alternatively by legal means such as marriage

Question 2

Rice - 1990

Answer 2

A family is any group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood or adoption or any sexual expressive relationships in which the people are committed to each other in an intimate, interpersonal relationships, the members see their identity as importantly attached to the group, and the group has an identity of its own

Question 3

Murdock - 1949

Answer 3

The family is a social group characterized by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted, or sexually cohabiting adults.

Question 4

Bidwell and Vender Mey - 2000

Answer 4

A family refers to a collection of people related to each other by marriage, ancestry, adoption or affinity, who have a commitment to each other. The adults in the collection have varying degrees of responsibility for the young members that might be part of the collection.

Question 5

Nimkoff and Ogburn - 1934

Answer 5

A relationship of indeterminate duration existing between parents and children.

Question 6

The American Census Bureau

Answer 6

Two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption who reside in the same house.