What Makes a Family? Meet Family Groups Around the World
Some families have two parents. Some have one. Some kids live with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or foster families. Some families have lots of brothers and sisters, and some families have pets that feel just like family! There is no single 'right' way for a family to look -- but every family shares something important: they take care of each other.
What You'll Learn
1. What sociologists mean by the word 'family' 2. Three different kinds of family groups 3. How families are alike even when they look different 4. Why every kind of family is a real family
Families Come in Many Shapes
People who study how people live together are called sociologists. Sociologists say a family is a group of people who care for each other, often live together, and help each other grow up. A family might include a mom and dad, just one parent, two moms or two dads, grandparents raising grandchildren, adopted brothers and sisters, or foster families who open their home to kids who need one. All of these are real families.
Jobs a Family Does
No matter what a family looks like, families usually do similar jobs for the people in them: they give food and a safe place to sleep, they teach children how to be kind and follow rules, they help when someone is sick or sad, and they celebrate good things together, like birthdays or good report cards. A family in Japan, a family in Kenya, and a family in Ohio might look different, but they are often doing these same jobs.
In some cultures, like many in West Africa and the Pacific Islands, it's common for aunts, uncles, and cousins to live together or very close by and help raise the children together. This is sometimes called an extended family.
Your Own Family Group
Think about who takes care of you and who you take care of. That group -- even if it's just you and one grown-up, or you and a big group of relatives -- is your family. Some kids also count close family friends or neighbors as part of their family circle.
According to sociologists, what makes a group of people a family?
Which of these is an example of an extended family?
Draw Your Family Circle
Draw a big circle. Inside it, draw or write the names of everyone in your family group -- this can include parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, or anyone else who takes care of you. Next to each person, write one way they help take care of the family.
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