Family

Family refers to a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption, who typically reside together and share emotional and social bonds. Traditionally, a family unit consists of parents and their children, but it can also include extended relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The concept of family varies across cultures and can encompass diverse structures, including single-parent families, blended families, and childfree families. Families serve fundamental social functions such as nurturing, education, and providing support, and they play a crucial role in the socialization of individuals. Additionally, the definition of family has evolved to include chosen families, where individuals form familial bonds through close friendships and community connections, reflecting the idea that family can extend beyond biological ties.