Family is defined in many ways depending on the context.

Our definition of family is practical in basis, allowing for the measurement of outcomes. We have drawn from definitions promulgated by the United Nations, the US Census Bureau, and other national and international bodies. These three factors describe a basic unit in which all members have a significant impact on each other and therefore shape the outcomes of all those involved. Our goal is to acknowledge the diversity of family types and structures, and the members included, yet we also know that a definition is useful when it is clear and focused. At some point exclusions need to be made in order to differentiate between ‘family’, friends, and other social groups that may fall into community well-being. Our definition of family strives to be applicable across different contexts of family well-being being measured and across various cultures, as well as for different purposes. Such a definition is particularly useful in comparing family well-being across cities, states, and countries. Our definition may evolve over time as FAMNET research advances, and we will document and update our definition as informed by our work.