Final answer:
In The Giver, family is viewed through a lens of conformity, but in modern US society, there is growing acceptance of nontraditional family structures. Over the next twenty years, this acceptance is likely to increase, leading to an even broader definition of family that emphasizes the significance of emotional ties over traditional biological bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Giver, the family unit is portrayed as a highly controlled and uniform aspect of society, where 'normal' means conforming to the strict rules and roles prescribed by the community. Unlike the traditional viewpoint of a family being defined by blood relation, in the novel, family units are constructed by the Committee of Elders. This represents a society where emotional connections and bonds are subdued in favor of societal stability and sameness.
Considering nontraditional family structures in the United States, people's perceptions have become more accepting over time. Nowadays, many Americans are embracing a variety of family arrangements, such as single-parent families, blended families, and same-sex couple families, indicating a shift towards inclusivity and diversity.
In the next twenty years, given the current trajectory of societal change, it is plausible that the acceptance of nontraditional families will continue to grow. There might even be a broader definition of what constitutes a family, encompassing a wider range of relationships and living arrangements, further departing from the traditional nuclear family model.