Final answer:
Disagreement on the definition of 'family' stems from the diverse socio-cultural perceptions, various legal definitions, and changing societal norms. While traditional views define family by structure and roles, modern sociological perspectives consider emotional bonds and economic unity, resulting in extensive definitional variation.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is so much disagreement concerning the definition of “family” because it is a complex socio-cultural concept that varies widely among different groups and institutions. The U.S. Census Bureau has a structured definition of a family as "a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together" which serves practical purposes like tracking family-related patterns but doesn't encompass all family forms, such as cohabitating couples or homosexual couples without children. Meanwhile, social conservatives may define family in traditional terms of structure and roles, whereas sociologists adopt a broader definition considering the emotional connections and economic unit of those regarded as family, including a family of orientation and a family of procreation based on lineage and ways of entering into family relationships.
The disagreement is compounded by different cultural norms and the evolution of societal views, as evidenced by surveys such as one conducted by professors at the University of Indiana, showing varying degrees of recognition for different family structures, particularly when children are involved. Additionally, conflict theorists highlight that families have been traditionally seen as private entities, adding another layer of complexity to the public definition and government intervention. Ultimately, the definition of a family relies on a multitude of factors, including cultural traditions, sociological perspectives, legal frameworks, and individual beliefs.