Discussion Two: A Modified Working Definition of family
My initial working definition of family was defined as “a group of individuals who are related
biologically and/or socially”. However, after completing the weekly readings, my initial working
definition is underdeveloped and needs to be expanded. Comparing my working definition to
McGoldrick et al. (2016) presentation of becoming a family is similar because they discussed
marriage and coupling which affects biological and social relations with others outside of the
marriage. Specifically, marriage and coupling changes the family structure and can potentially
cause conflict with others outside of the marriage. There is a plethora of ideas that were present
in the readings that were not included in my initial working definition. Cultural differences and
coupling are noticeable concepts in the reading that were not mentioned in my previous
discussion.
I am a firm believer in marriage as a mutual commitment and it lays the appropriate foundation
for procreation. Marriage sets the foundation for parents to meet children basic needs such as a
sense of trust, safety, and belongingness (McGoldrick et al., 2016). Also, marriage can provide
the child with a baseline of values, norms, and beliefs which would likely be passed on their
generations. Balswick (2021) asserts that families aid in helping children to discover autonomy.
There is evidence to suggest that children who live with their married parents, even those in
problematic marriages, perform better than those who live in certain nonmarital arrangements
(Acs, 2007). On the other hand, I do believe marriage after the birth of a child can create
dysfunction in the family structure.
To conclude, what I have learned so far helped me to acknowledge the complexity of family
because I have learned about factors that make family different, how factors influence family
structure and the life cycle of the family, and the significance of understanding family. However,
one idea that was conflicting is that the biblical view of family illustrates traditional family
structure, but the reality is that most families are of the non-traditional model. Working with a
full range of families would require me to be optimistic so that my values and personal views do
not impact service delivery. I am a Christian and I hold the biblical foundation of family in a
high regard. What I have learned so far has expanded my thought processes regarding the idea of
family which will equip me to develop innovative approaches for serving families who may fall
short of the nuclear paradigm (Garland, 2012). Proverbs 3: 27 (KJV) states, “Withhold not good
from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” This verse will help
me to be efficient and effective to families because God places specific people in our lives that
need us, and he gives us the resources to intervene.
References
Acs, G. (2007). Can we promote child well-being by promoting marriage? Journal of Marriage
and Family, 69(5), 1326-1344. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00450.x
Balswick, J. O., & Balswick, J. K., & Frederick, T. V. (2021). The family: A Christian
perspective on the contemporary home (5th ed.). MI: Baker Academic.
