Family - GCSE Sociology Definition

In GCSE Sociology, 'family' is defined as a fundamental social institution that consists of a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption who live together or have a significant emotional connection.

Families perform essential functions in society, such as socialising children, offering emotional and financial support, and providing members with a sense of identity and belonging. Different forms of families exist, such as nuclear families, which consist of parents and their children, and extended families, which include additional relatives like grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

The concept of family is central to understanding social structures and relationships in various cultures and societies.