Family

“Family”
Unit 3 Definition Essay 
In the dictionary the word family means; a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not. This is actually the definition of a nuclear family. This meaning did not satisfy me.   The definition was too scientific and did not reflect or compensate for the modern reality of a family. In my opinion, a family is something more than just a sociological group stuck together because they share DNA, it means common feelings, experiences, worries and being there for one another, among other things.
In the 50’s a family generally consisted of two parents; the father- the bread winner and the mother- the homemaker/ caretaker. Since then the structure of families has changed right along with the times.   These changes have been greatly due to things like; the development of the women’s liberation laws, the ever growing number of divorces, homosexuality, and single parent homes. Therefore, to me the meaning of the word family scope should be widened to include but not be limited to people you share love, concern and your daily life with. A family is ever growing. I have added family members to my ever growing family in every stage of life.
When I was a child my family was my world and my mother (the giver of my life and the rock in which I was built and raised on). My father worked really hard and loved us the best of his ability with what energy he had left to give. I also had an older and a younger sister. We may not have always gotten along, but we always knew family was the most important thing.   This was my basic nuclear family. It provided our first surroundings and it is where we learned how to deal with and solve problems, love and respect others, and otherwise survive in this world.   I don’t think that “family” can be explained in as simple or clear cut and dry terms as it use to be but it still means the same things to those of them in one.
Most families have... [continues]

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