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I've noticed that there are different perceptions of what constitutes a good family.
Conservatives tend to have a structural definition of the ideal family. This is usually, one man married to one woman and with two or more children.
Progressives tend to have an operational definition of the ideal family. This is usually a couple who form a committed, stable, and loving relationship with one another and can do the same for any children they may have.
I find the conservative definition to be stupid. Mainly because I know that a married man and woman may be miserable or they may abuse or neglect their children. The structure of their family does not inherently make them a good family.
However, the progressive definition makes sense. A family that is attached to each other by bonds of trust and love is likely to be very secure and can provide a great home for children.
It is for that reason that I think step, adoptive, same sex, mixed, extended, etc. families can be just as good or better than the "traditional" nuclear family that conservatives advocate as ideal. I'm not saying they always are, because they have their own unique challenges, but to assume they are always inherently inferior to the "traditional" ideal, seems very misguided.
So what is your definition of the ideal family?
Conservatives tend to have a structural definition of the ideal family. This is usually, one man married to one woman and with two or more children.
Progressives tend to have an operational definition of the ideal family. This is usually a couple who form a committed, stable, and loving relationship with one another and can do the same for any children they may have.
I find the conservative definition to be stupid. Mainly because I know that a married man and woman may be miserable or they may abuse or neglect their children. The structure of their family does not inherently make them a good family.
However, the progressive definition makes sense. A family that is attached to each other by bonds of trust and love is likely to be very secure and can provide a great home for children.
It is for that reason that I think step, adoptive, same sex, mixed, extended, etc. families can be just as good or better than the "traditional" nuclear family that conservatives advocate as ideal. I'm not saying they always are, because they have their own unique challenges, but to assume they are always inherently inferior to the "traditional" ideal, seems very misguided.
So what is your definition of the ideal family?
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