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An Initial Working Definition of Family
Because there are so many distinct kinds of families in today's world, various people will
have varied ideas on what constitutes a "family." According to Garland (2012), the structure
definition of an individual is derived from the manner in which individuals are connected to one
another, whether that relationship is established biologically or legally. On the other hand, the
functional definition of family refers to the ways in which individuals link to one another or
function in the lives of each other, and this is what is expected of members of the family
(Garland, 2012). There are several kinds of families that fall under these two umbrella
classifications, including nuclear, extended, step, and fictive kin families. However, this is not
the end of the concept of family. Families are also characterized by the manners in which
members interact with one another, in addition to the methods in which ties are maintained
(Garland, 2012).
In the past, the term "family" was often referred to as consisting of a father, a mother, and
their offspring. In today's world, the concept of family may take on many different forms.
Because of this, it is very important for professionals who provide counseling to people and
families to identify the particular requirements of each client based on the unique circumstances
of the individual family. As a result of the evolution of civilization, families now often include
members who do not have a biological connection but are yet considered to be members of the
same clan. To legitimize the client and their perspective on their family, these conditions are just
as crucial as the client themselves. There is never a time when a person should feel ashamed due
to the particular dynamics of their family.
My personal view of family isn't just based on the roles of father, mother, and siblings.
Instead, it's based on people who have been in my life for a long time, have stuck by me through
good times and bad, and are loyal. In my early year, I remember not having my biological
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An Initial Working Definition of Family
mother around, my father is in the states, and I was in Haiti. My aunt played an important part in
my adolescent life, she was my mother, and she was there when I needed her. Research shows
that a child’s family relationships powerfully shape their current and future health along with
their quality of life (Bevans et al., 2017). The word of God in 1 Corinthians 13:13 states “Now
faith, hope, and love remain these three things and the greatest of these is love.” We all must
have faith, hope, and love, but love is the greatest gift of all. Where there is love, there is also
faith and hope.
References
Bevans, K., Riley, A., Landgraf, J., Carle, A., Teneralli, R., Fiese, B., Meltzer, L., Ettinger, A.,
Becker, B., Forrest, C., Bevans, K. B., Riley, A. W., Landgraf, J. M., Carle, A. C.,
Teneralli, R. E., Fiese, B. H., Meltzer, L. J., Ettinger, A. K., Becker, B. D., & Forrest, C.
B. (2017). Children’s family experiences: development of the PROMIS® pediatric family
relationships measures. Quality of Life Research, 26(11), 3011–3023. https://doi-
org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1007/s11136-017-1629-y
Garland, D. R. (2012). Family Ministry: A comprehensive guide. IL: InterVarsity Press.
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