The concept of “family” is complex. Diverse experiences of family depend on age, gender, ethnicity socio-economic status, sexual orientation and religious affiliation.

Throughout American history competing interest groups have tried to provide the definitive explanation of the concept of family and influence social policy.

The US Census Bureau defines family as two or more people living together, related by blood, marriage, or adoption. What this statistical concept fails to convey is the complex ways people join together to support each other through the raising of children, the division of economic resources, and the love and nurturing that are key to family life.

Thus, both the structure and function of what constitutes a family are aspects of debate.

Politicians often invoke the concept of family to advance political agendas. A “familyvalues” platform is conservative, envisioning two parents with children—a nuclear family The husband is the wage-earner and the wife a full-time homemaker. “Family values” often presuppose the Christian Right ideology and opposition to abortion. A more liberal perspective focuses on the affective ties between members, their commitment to each other, and planning parenthood. Either concept relies on an ideal type of family that rarely matches the reality of individual experience.

The US Census statistics indicate changes in family structure over time. Since 1970, delays in marriage and an increase in divorce rates have contributed to reducing the number of people living in family households. Divorce is common, with 50 percent of all marriages ending in divorce. The number of single women raising children has doubled.

“Blended” families due to remarriage create complex step-parenting relationships.

Women are also joining the workforce at an unprecedented rate.

The degree of autonomy families exercise in disciplining and educating their children is also changing. Stricter definitions of child abuse sometimes necessitate outside intervention. The surge of interest in home schooling represents a move away from outside influences.

Many options for affinity-based family relationships exist. Spouses or partners, despite raising children, may live apart due to job demands. Others live in committed relationships without children and still consider themselves “family.” Members of religious groups, especially within the African American culture, often refer to each other using familial terms such as “mother,” “sister,” or “brother” when no blood or marriage relationship exists, but where there is a supportive relationship.

“Are you family?” can be asked by a gay or lesbian person to inquire about sexual orientation. Homosexuals, when rejected by their family of origin, often turn to a chosen social network to act as family members. Efforts are under way in many states to recognize same-sex marriages. Some municipalities and businesses recognize partnership relationships through the provision of domesticpartner benefits. Religious organizations are divided about supporting such unions.

The concept of family is a complex, multilayered construction. A person may hold different working definitions of the concept depending on the context.