Definitions
This definition focuses on biological, legal, or marital relationships.
Structural definition
These are everyday routines like meals, bedtime, or watching TV together.
Patterned family interactions
In this family, parents listen to children’s ideas but still make the final decisions and expect rules to be followed.
Consensual family
This definition focuses on what family members do for each other, like caregiving and socialization.
Functional definition
These are more formal than daily routines and might include birthdays or family vacations.
Family traditions
In this family, members openly share opinions, encourage debate, and accept different viewpoints.
Pluralistic family
This definition focuses on communication, shared identity, and emotional connection.
Transactional definition
These are highly formal, often culturally shared events that pass values across generations.
Family celebrations
In this family, parents make decisions with little discussion, and children are expected to obey.
Protective family
This definition would include someone legally related even if they provide little emotional support.
Structural definition
These occur frequently, are less formal, and help structure daily family life.
Patterned family interactions
In this family, members are emotionally distant, communicate very little, and act mostly independently.
Laissez-faire family
This definition would include someone not biologically related but who provides daily care and support.
Functional definition
These events are often tied to religion, culture, or major life transitions and help transmit shared meaning across generations.
Family celebrations
In this family, problems are kept private, disagreement is seen as disrespect, and members are expected to present a united front to outsiders.
Protective family