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What is a family? a contemporary view

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Abstract

In the light of two cases that held the attention of the United States in mid-1993, family therapists as well as other professionals need to consider- or re-consider-what it is that constitutes a family. Is the family based on biological ties? On psychological bonds? On legal definitions? When a conflict arises as to the family with which a child should reside, what factors need to be considered? Contested adoption cases are rare but not unique; the legal “divorce” from biological parents in favor of psychological ties is a much newer phenomenon. These cases are central to the discussion of this contemporary view of what constitutes a family.

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  1. 8480 Limekiln Pike, PH 13, 19095, Wyncote, PA

    Lita Linzer Schwartz

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  1. Lita Linzer Schwartz
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Lita Linzer Schwartz, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology and Professor of Women's Studies at Pennsylvania State University (Ogontz Campus). She also is a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology in Forensic Psychology and a Fellow of Divisions 41 (Psychology and Law) and 43 (Family Psychology) of the American Psychological Association.

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Schwartz, L.L. What is a family? a contemporary view. Contemp Fam Ther 15, 429–442 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00892290

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