What is a Family?

Families vary a great deal from one culture to another. This polygynous family from Tibet illustrates one variation. Sociologists look for certain patterns within the great diversity of family life: mutual support, a sense of identity, and feelings of belonging and caring.

Questions to Consider:

1. What do you think are the core components of a family working well together?

2. Why and how do families shape sense of identity?

3. If one is orphaned and has no biological family, how do they cope? Where do they get their support and sense of belonging?