Definition of Family (Research Paper Sample)

Definition of family
Name:
Institution:
Definition of Family
Due to social -cultural changes, the Canadian demographics on families do not conform to the simple family patterns highlighted in the Appendices provided. This forms the basis of this essay. The essay digs deep into the range of definitions of a family against the many ‘social arrangements’ as families as represented in Canada. The essay also tackles on the contributing factors that have led to emerging of these ‘family groupings’. Finally, the essay looks into theoretical foundations that support on the many definitions of a family as outlined above.
How the Photos Selected Represent the Definition of Family in General
Over periods of time, different peoples across the world have made various attempts to describe a ‘family’ and, as a result, they have come up with numerous definitions. Despite the diversified social, cultural, educational, judicial, occupational and religious backgrounds, the inter-dependency and inter-relation of individuals who consider themselves as family members have always stood tall with every definition. One of the most typical definitions or rather traditional is that a family is composed of a spouse and their children (as shown in Appendix 1). But this definition is not sufficiently supplied; however it makes a good starting point. Indeed it excludes other family structures, for example in a case where a childless couple opts for adoption (as shown in Appendix 2). As a ‘structural unit’ of society, a family should be characterized by members bonded together through blood, sexual relations or legal systems. This crucial social institution usually operates positively such that there is a benefit for its individuals and the society at large. As the members of the family interact, roles and responsibilities crop up coupled with social feelings. This brings us to another definition where pets are included as family members (as shown in Appendix 3). Whether the family is composed of relatives, people enjoined through judicial systems or pets, it should provide an enabling environment for its members to thrive.
Comparison of the Selected Photos to the Statistical Representations of Family Forms in Canada
Same Sex Couples
The number of same-sex families has significantly increased over the recent years in Canada. Same-sex marriages are cases where a man is married to a man or a woman to a woman contravening the natural definition of marriage. For example, the number of same-sex couples increased by 15.0% over a period of five years-2006 to 2011. Consequently, the common-law families registered 17.8 % of the entire census carried out on families and relations. Same-sex marriages increased drastically during this period in Canada; a time when same-sex marriages were legalized (Mitchell, 2012).
The picture in Appendix 1 depicts a simple nuclear family composed of a father, mother and children as opposed to the increasing same sex marriages in Canada as demographics reflect. The increasing figures in same-sex marriages implicates that if the trend continues, there will be no procreation and soon, the population will be characterized by aging populations. The image in Appendix 1 is a true hope for the vigor and continuity of a vibrant economy unlike in same-sex marriages. It’s true that the major function of marriage is companionship but procreation is an equally important factor to be taken into account.
Stepfamilies
Usually, Stepfamilies are described as a matrimony whereby couples have ‘outside’ children by one parent or both parents. In Canada, demographics of 2011 showed an increase of stepfamilies to 12.6%. The demographics further indicated that the couples had in the past been married. Such marriages are characterized by a lack of responsibility. Up to around 50% of such families are same-sex marriages while the rest 50% are opposite sex marriages (Mitchell, 2012). If the trend of stepfamilies continued, there would come a time when the children raised are unstable emotionally due to irresponsibility from one parent or both.
The parent should be comfortable in raising a child whether he/she is the biological parent or not. Image in Appendix 2 shows a proud family although the children are adopted. This family conforms to the definition of a family (adoption through legal systems) and hence both the parents and the adopted children are at peace. This greatly contrasts with a stepfamily where one parent is not comfortable with the stepchild.
Children Living With Other Arrangements
There are also a small percentage of children that do not live with their biological parents as the rule of nature requires as those children having less than 14 years stayed with personal households or individuals with whom they are not related with. Canadian demographics of 2011 showed that 0.8% of the children lived under such arrangements and the figures were increasing (Mitchell, 2012). Children should always live under the guardianship of the parents. This offers them the necessary self-assurance they needed to develop all round. The foster parents, uncles and aunts usually do not give such a full attention as provided by the biological parents. Appendixes 3 images illustrate a nuclear family, and the kids looks to be happy under the wings of their parents, and this is how the children should feel. But when children are placed under the care of non-parents, they feel strained especially when scolded at frequently.
Working Parents
According to Mitchell (2012), demographics of Canadian households show an increased number of women who work. 69.8% of women in 2001 participated in work yet they had children at home and 65.8% of them had children less than two years. The statistics demonstrates a reduction in contact among children as well as their parents. This demographic trend although is contrary to their male counterparts. As images in Appendix 3, children should always be close to their parents to be nurtured properly. Maids cannot provide everything and, therefore, the parents are required to be available and watch their children grow with acceptable manners.
Social-cultural Factors that have Contributed to the Changing Demographics in Canada
Moral Decay
Moral decay is the major factor contributing to the changing population trends in Canada. Over the years, one sex marriage was illegal and abomination, prostitution was considered as a sin and to some extent, bearing children out of wedlock was unacceptable. This viewpoint was done to uphold the highest code of moral standards. This character has however died with time with the blessings of democracy and the law of the land. For example, we are going to witness a decline in children in the case of one sex marriage, therefore, unacceptable.
Women Empowerment
Women empowerment is another factor that has led to the kind of family trends that we are witnessing. Majority of women in Canada are employed, and the consequential circumstances for lone parents is that they choose to leave their children with their elderly parents. To shun such family structures, there is a need for women to get back to their traditional household roles of raising up the kids.
Immigration
Immigration of people to Canada has led to changes in social-cultural aspects among the Canadian people. The social values of the Canadian people have been neutralized by the incoming population. An example is the same sex marriage that has shifted the trends i...