What is the Cambridge Definition of Family?
The concept of family is complex, deeply rooted in cultural norms, and varies across different societies and personal perspectives. But when it comes to a formal understanding, what does the Cambridge definition of family say? Let’s explore how the dictionary defines this essential unit of society and why it remains relevant to our modern world.
The Cambridge Definition of Family
What Does Cambridge Say?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, family is described as "a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household" or "all the people who are related to a particular person." It’s clear that, in the most traditional sense, a family is made up of individuals who are biologically or legally connected. This could include parents, children, siblings, and sometimes extended family members like grandparents.
Honestly, when I first came across this definition, I was taken aback. It seems so simple, right? But, in practice, "family" can mean much more than just those in a traditional household. Let’s dive deeper into how families can take on various forms, and why this definition still holds weight today.
The Traditional Family Structure
When you think of family, you might picture the classic idea of a father, mother, and children living under one roof. The Cambridge definition clearly reflects this traditional structure. This setup, although still common, is increasingly becoming just one of many family forms. Over time, other family structures have emerged, like single-parent families, blended families, and families without children.
Interestingly, this "traditional" model often doesn't consider the fact that families might also include aunts, uncles, cousins, and even close friends who play a familial role. I’ve spoken to friends who feel that they are more closely connected to their chosen family than their biological one, showing how dynamic the definition can be.
Expanding the Definition: Non-Traditional Families
The Modern Evolution of Family
The world has changed, and so has the idea of family. With modern society and shifts in cultural norms, we now see families of all shapes and sizes. Whether through adoption, same-sex partnerships, or even close-knit friendships, the idea of "family" has evolved into something far more inclusive.
You might ask, "But what about the Cambridge definition?" Well, this modern view still fits within the broader idea of family as outlined by the Cambridge Dictionary, as it recognizes biological and legal connections, while acknowledging that the emotional and social ties people have with each other are what often truly define family.
Chosen Family
One of the most important modern-day ideas is that of a "chosen family." These are the people who might not be related by blood or marriage, but who are family in every meaningful way. I’ve seen this first-hand, especially within communities where people support each other in ways that are far beyond what is expected of biological relatives.
For example, one of my best friends is practically family. We’ve been there for each other through thick and thin, and I consider her children my "nieces" even though they are not my biological relatives. This shows how important emotional and psychological bonds are in shaping who we consider family.
Why the Cambridge Definition Still Matters
Cultural and Emotional Significance
Despite the changes in family structures, the definition by Cambridge holds emotional and cultural weight. It provides a framework that most societies can agree on, even as family configurations change. For example, in many parts of the world, family is still closely tied to biological relationships, with an emphasis on the roles parents and children play.
A Foundation for Understanding
The Cambridge definition of family is important because it gives us a starting point for understanding who belongs in this category. Whether you look at family from a legal, biological, or emotional standpoint, the essence of family remains grounded in these relationships. This foundation helps guide laws, social services, and cultural practices.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Cambridge definition of family offers a simple yet powerful understanding of the concept: a group of people connected through biological or legal relationships. However, as society continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of family. Whether it’s by blood or by choice, family is about the relationships that bring us together, support us, and define who we are. The definition may have started as something basic, but in today’s world, it’s far more complex – and that’s what makes it so meaningful.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.