Discussion One: An Initial working Definition of Family
Not everyone has the same perspective of what is considered a family. According to
Garland (20212), the structural definition of families is members can be related by blood,
marriage, or other legal means. Also, families are defined by how individuals interact with one
another or conduct themselves in ways that may be anticipated from family, which is the
functional definition (Garland, 2012). These definitions are considered significant because they
influence how society views the categories classified as families and those that are not. For
example, nuclear families, extended families, stepfamilies, and fictive kinship are classified
under the structural definition of families while on the other hand, functional families highlight
how individuals that hold certain titles can serve several purposes in families (Garland, 2012). A
working definition of family is a group of individuals who are related biologically and/or
socially.
I understand that essential elements of family are enduring connections, mutual
resources, fulfillment of attachment needs, resources, and shared life goals. Elements that bind
my family together are love, support, religious beliefs, spending quality time, communicating,
and community. Initially, life was not a crystal stair because of the struggle financial hardships,
lack of support from other family members, and my mom battling infirmity. These challenges
lead to increased stress and strained family relationships like covid-19, disrupting family
functioning and relationships (Andrade et al., 2022). However, I experienced the blending family
for most of my life, Mr. Jones stepped up with raising my siblings and I, began functioning in his
role, and now is affectionately known as Dad. Similar to Garland (2012) eluding to many
different families depicted in common television sitcoms, it made me think of my family such as
experiencing the struggle like Good Times, the large family the Brady Bunch, and moving into
luxury like the Jeffersons. I learned a lot from observing my mom and Step-father and how they
interacted with each other because it taught me about love, trust, respect, patience, service, how
to care for others, how to adapt to what was going on around me, sustaining bonds despite
hardships, being a safety net for my siblings and how to problem-solve. Last but not least, we
always read Exodus 20:12 (KJV) in our home growing up. In order for your days to be long on
the earth that the Lord, our God, has given us, the Bible says, "Honor thy father and thy mother."
This passage served as a gentle reminder to me to cherish, honor, and respect my parents.
Despite my desire to have done things differently, their existence is essential to my life today,
because they have imparted much insight.
References
Andrade, C., Gillen, M., Molina, J. A., & Wilmarth, M. J. (2022). The social and economic
impact of covid-19 on family functioning and well-being: Where do we go from here? Journal of
Family and Economic Issues, 43(2), 205-212. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-022-09848-x
Garland, D. (2012). Family ministry: A comprehensive guide (2nd ed.). IL: IVP Academic.
King James Version. (1987). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
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