... in relation to the family. "One of the first and most intractable issues to be faced in the study of the family is its definition". (Muncie: 1999: 9) The definition of the family is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the whole question. There are various interpretations as to the definition of the family; there are also other issues to be discussed, such as the origins of the family, its functions, variations, the sociological perspectives of the family and the future it faces. "A social group characterised by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship and one or more children, own or adopted, of the sexually cohabiting adults." (Morgan: 7) This is one interpretation of a possible definition of the family, and although it can be considered to have considered all roles a family ...

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