Final answer:
The definition of family is a topic of debate in sociology, with different perspectives on its structure and relationships. Family is a socially recognized group that forms an emotional connection and serves as an economic unit. Different types of families are identified based on how one enters into them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of what constitutes a family is a prime area of debate in family sociology. Social conservatives tend to define the family in terms of structure, whereas sociologists define family more in terms of the manner in which members relate to one another. Family can be defined as a socially recognized group that forms an emotional connection and serves as an economic unit of society. Different types of families are identified based on how one enters into them, such as a family of orientation or a family of procreation.