Final answer:
The term 'family process' does not simply refer to the structural or outward characteristics of the family. It encompasses the dynamics, emotional connections, and social roles within the family unit. Sociological perspectives on family are diverse, considering cultural norms and the evolution of social constructs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that family process refers to the outward characteristics of the family like marital status, household composition, and biological relationships is false. Instead, the term 'family process' typically refers to the dynamics within the family, such as the quality of relationships and interactions among family members.
The outward and structural characteristics of a family are only part of what constitutes a family; the definition is broader and encompasses emotional bonds, economic roles, and varying cultural perceptions of kinship and lineage.
Sociologists and researchers view family from various perspectives including social constructs, the family life cycle, and interactionist views. Societal and cultural norms greatly influence what is recognized as a family. Definitions of family have evolved over time and have adapted to social and economic changes.
For example, the concept of family of orientation and family of procreation both fit within the sociological understanding of family. Additionally, households can encompass more than one family or individuals who are not family by traditional definitions.