How important is having some sort of definition of the family to our understanding of the family’s role in society?

The role of family has had a significant influence on individuals since the beginning of mankind, and still to this very day. The quality of our social relationships in groups such as family members or friends is the standard against which many of us judge the quality and happiness of our lives. Group connections provide individuals a sense of well being and hence form loyalty and responsibility towards others. The family is the most important one of all the groups that we belong. This essay aims to find the importance of having some sort of definition of the family to our understanding of the family’s role in society and how definitions of the family can be used to support particular beliefs about what kind of society we should have, and whether we still need families.

Family provides relationships that give an individual a sense of identity and personal history. They also carry out tasks that keep society orderly and stable. The two main functions family perform are primary s...