The idea of family is deeply rooted in every society, but its form and meaning have constantly changed over time and culture. While Western societies today often emphasise the nuclear family (parents and children), there are countless definitions and structures of family around the world. In this blog, we take a look at the historical development of the family, the modern definition in Western countries and how family is understood in other regions of the world and by indigenous peoples. It becomes clear that the family is far more than just a biologically defined unit - it is a flexible construct characterised by culture and social norms.
In pre-industrialised societies, the family was often an extended community consisting of several generations. These extended families usually lived together and formed the central economic unit, especially in agricultural cultures. Family members worked together on the farm and survival depended heavily on co-operation within the family. The family was the basic economic, social and legal unit.
With the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, working and living conditions changed fundamentally. People moved to the cities to work in factories, which led to a reduction in family size. The nuclear family (consisting of parents and children) replaced the extended family, as there was less economic necessity and less space for extended families in urban areas. Family roles became more gender-specific, with a greater separation between the ‘breadwinner’ (often the man) and the ‘housewife’ (often the woman). With greater wealth, the latter also ran a household with employees and served as representation.
In the 20th century, the family structure continued to change, especially after the Second World War. The standard of living rose in many Western countries and there was a baby boom that characterised the traditional nuclear family. However, the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s (women's movement, sexual revolution) dramatically changed the family image. Divorces became more frequent, the acceptance of single parents increased and women began to enter the labour market more frequently, further breaking down the traditional division of roles.
In recent decades, the understanding of family has continued to diversify. Nowadays, there are a variety of family models: Patchwork families, in which children from different partnerships live together. Single-parent families, which have become more common due to a high divorce rate or conscious decisions. Same-sex families, which have become more visible in many countries due to the recognition of same-sex marriages and parenthoods. Families of choice, in which close friends or communities take on a familial role, especially in urban and individualistic societies.
Today's family structure is diverse and flexible. Globalisation, migration and changing social norms are constantly giving rise to new forms of cohabitation. The family remains an important social institution, but it is no longer bound to a fixed form. Increasingly, individual lifestyles are determining the type of family people choose.
The definition of family in the current generation, often referred to as ‘Generation Z’ (born around 1997-2012) and ‘Millennials’ (born around 1981-1996), is much more diverse and flexible than in previous generations. Here are some key aspects that characterise the modern understanding of family:
Nowadays, the family is no longer limited to the traditional nuclear family (father, mother, children). Many different forms of families are recognised and accepted. These include: Single-parent families, patchwork families (e.g. through divorce and remarriage), same-sex families (with parents of the same sex), families of choice (close friendships that take on a familial bond), childless couples who nevertheless define themselves as a family, multi-generational families (e.g. grandparents living together with children and grandchildren). The definition of family has thus become broader and includes all forms of cohabitation based on mutual support, love and responsibility, regardless of biological or legal ties.
For many people of the current generation, emotional closeness and social support are key aspects that define what constitutes a family. Family is defined less by blood relations and more by the people with whom you share close relationships and responsibilities. This is reflected in the increasing importance of families of choice, where close friendships are seen as ‘family ties’.
In recent decades, society's acceptance of non-traditional family models has grown considerably. LGBTQ+ families, alternative relationship models (e.g. open relationships or polyamorous partnerships) and new forms of parenting (e.g. co-parenting without a romantic relationship) are increasingly seen as legitimate forms of family. This openness is a characteristic of the current generation, which is more accepting of diversity and individual lifestyles than previous generations.
The definition of family in today's generation is strongly influenced by changing gender roles. Traditional role models - such as the man as breadwinner and the woman as housewife - are increasingly being called into question. Instead, many are striving for relationships based on partnership, in which household tasks, raising children and gainful employment are shared equally. These changing role models reflect the greater emphasis on equality and participation of both partners.
Moderne Technologien und gesellschaftliche Veränderungen haben auch die Art und Weise beeinflusst, wie Familien entstehen und organisiert sind. Dazu gehören: Artificial insemination, surrogacy and adoption: These methods enable couples or individuals to become parents, regardless of biological circumstances. Long-distance relationships and digital families: Thanks to digital technologies, people who are geographically distant from each other can continue to maintain close family relationships. Auch Fernbeziehungen oder „digitale Familien“, bei denen sich Familienmitglieder hauptsächlich online vernetzen, werden immer üblicher.
The current generation often emphasises the freedom to make their own life decisions, which also has an impact on starting a family. Many people consciously decide against traditional marriage or children and focus on other life goals, such as career, self-realisation or travel. At the same time, there are couples who remain unmarried or practise unconventional forms of cohabitation.
The understanding of family today is characterised by a high degree of inclusivity and flexibility. Today, the term ‘family’ can encompass both close circles of friends and extended networks from different areas of life. This flexibility reflects the desire for belonging and emotional support, regardless of traditional or legal norms.
The term ‘family’ is understood and lived differently around the world. Cultures, traditions and social structures characterise how family is defined and what role it plays in people's lives. There is no standardised definition of family that fits all societies, as the term depends heavily on local and cultural conditions. Here is an overview of the understanding of family in different parts of the world among indigenous peoples.
In many African cultures, the extended family is the basic social unit. Family groups can span several generations and often include distant relatives such as cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Responsibility for child rearing and care in these cultures is often shared by the community or extended families, not just by the parents alone. In rural regions of Africa, many people still live in village structures where family and community ties are closely intertwined. Cohesion and mutual support within the extended family and the clan are of central importance. Patriarchal family structures are common, but there are also many matrilineal societies in which descent is determined by the female line (e.g. among the Akan in Ghana).
In Asia, the family plays a prominent role in social life. The extended family remains important in many Asian cultures, even if urbanisation and economic changes are transforming the role of the family. Confucian values in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan) emphasise the importance of the family, respect for the elderly and responsibility for caring for parents in old age. Here, family is often seen as a hierarchical structure in which younger generations are beholden to older ones. In rural parts of India and Pakistan, families often live together as extended families, with strong emphasis on intergenerational cohesion. However, in the wake of economic modernisation, there is a shift towards the nuclear family in urban areas. Family honour and collective responsibility are highly valued in many Asian societies, which is reflected in close family ties and the influence of the family on individual decisions (e.g. marriage).
In Western societies, especially in Europe and North America, the family is increasingly seen as a nuclear family consisting of parents and children. However, even here there is a trend towards greater diversity in family forms. Single-parent families, patchwork families and same-sex partnerships are widespread and increasingly socially accepted. The traditional nuclear family has become less important, and alternative living arrangements such as childless couples or unmarried cohabiting couples are on the rise. Individualism is strong and many young people place more value on personal freedom and self-realisation, which is reflected in a shift in priorities when starting a family. Late marriages and a late desire to have children are common in these societies.
In Latin America, the family traditionally plays a central role in people's lives. The extended family is common and kinship relationships are intensively cultivated. Family networks provide emotional and often also economic support. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins often play an important role in raising children and in daily life. Despite the importance of the family, there are also trends in Latin America towards a greater diversity of family forms. Divorce and single-parent families are on the rise, and the role of women in the family is changing as more and more women are working.
For indigenous people on different continents, community is often at the centre of family life. The terms ‘family’ and ‘community’ are closely linked in many indigenous groups, and the concept of family often goes beyond biological kinship. In many indigenous cultures, the family is organised collectively. The welfare of the individual is often linked to the welfare of the whole community, and the upbringing of children is a communal responsibility. Among the Maori in New Zealand, the Inuit in Canada or the Aborigines in Australia, there are often strongly interwoven family structures that include not only blood relatives but also ‘spiritual kinship’. Many indigenous societies are based on matrilineal or patrilineal systems, whereby descent and inheritance are passed on through the mother or father line. The Mosuo in China, for example, have a matrilineal system in which women bear the main responsibility for the family. For many indigenous peoples, the concept of family is broadly defined and often also includes the relationship with nature and ancestors. Family is not only understood as a human network, but also as a spiritual unit that is connected to the earth and the ancestors.
In many societies in the Middle East and North Africa, the extended family or clan is the most important social structure. The family is often seen as an extended unit in which several generations live under one roof or are closely connected. Patriarchal structures dominate, with the father or male head of the family playing a central role. Marriages are often arranged within the extended family, and family honour plays an important role in social relationships. Family ties are strong and cohesion between family members is high. Mutual support within the family, especially in raising children and caring for elderly family members, is of central importance.
The definition of family is diverse worldwide and is subject to constant change. While the trend towards the nuclear family and a greater diversity of family models dominates in Western countries, in many other parts of the world the extended family remains the central social unit. Indigenous peoples often emphasise the collective aspect of family, which includes the whole community, and the global perspective shows that family is a flexible and dynamic concept that adapts to the social, cultural and economic conditions of a society. Despite the differences, for many people around the world, family remains the most important social institution providing support, security and belonging - regardless of its concrete form or definition.
