I. Definition of a Family: 

1. Marriage leads to the formation of a family. The family is a universal institution and has existed throughout the history of society. 

2. As far as the definition of a family is concerned we can say that, "Family, basically, is made up of individuals having Kinship relationships among themselves."

3. The smallest family consists of the husband and wife without children. Such a family is also called a nuclear family.

4. A man with his children or a woman with her can also constitute a family. This is called a single-parent family.

5. A family may even consist of persons of few more generations living together and other relatives forming an extended family. Such an arrangement is also known by the name household.

II. Features of a Family:

1. With the passage of time, family has undergone changes gaining and losing different forms and features. The present stage of economic development and cultural changes have posed some new challenges to the institution of family leading to radical changes in the structures and functions of family.

2. In western societies, the very existence of family appears to be threatened. However, the institutions of family are surviving and definately will survive for the existence of the society itself. Because the family is a durable group fulfilling the basic duties of sex- relationship. procreation and many other requirements, such as the maintenance (security of infants and basic needs of individuals, food, cloth and shelter etc.) and socialization of children.