1: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children

2: any of various social units differing from but regarded equivalent to the traditional family

3: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head.

4: a group of persons of common ancestry

5: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation

These are the ways in which Miriam Webster dictionary defines 'Family'. I believe, the second and fifth definitions would not have been there in the past.

There are no children, it is still a family; that one of parents is dead, it is still a family; that both parents are dead and only siblings are left, it's still a family; even if the society were to accept all of these, it would have been difficult to accept that those who just cohabited without being married as a family. (I'm talking about the general public). Formal societies were once reluctant to accommodate divorces. The issue is not who is right or who is wrong. There may be opposing views on whether it is the right use of freedom even. In any case, that is how things were.

The traditional concept of family: based on the marriage contract; following traditional gender roles; and allowing only one traditional model.

However, our contemporary world witnesses that the modern family concept is one that focuses on one's own happiness, bases it on emotional connection, denies the dictates of gender roles, integrating career goals, and allowing diverse models.

It is clear that not all of the elements of the above-mentioned traditional or modern family concepts are equally important and serious. Speaking from the context of Christian spirituality, it was necessary to reject an important part of the traditional family concept. In that regard, I feel we should appreciate a concept of the modern family. However, I cannot agree with an important part of the modern family concept as well. The social pressure to follow the traditional gender roles is certainly not in keeping with modern society and our gender awareness. There is no doubt that it was the societal understanding that denied gender justice. Partners who deny the dictates of the traditional gender roles in the modern family certainly deserve praise. Taking emotional connection more seriously in the modern family is certainly a good development. However, laying emphasis on one's own happiness seems to disappoint any spiritual dimension in a family. Whether in a traditional family or a modern family, if one does not step out of one's own ego, partnership becomes only a contract for sexual relations. In any love or friendship, one is invited to do this. If the ego and narcissism that keep saying "I - I - I" cannot be broken even a little bit, it seems that any relationship does not rise to a human level. That's my take.