Sociology and the Family: Marriage, Divorce and Defacto Partnering

The family is a remarkably significant social unit. It is defined a group of individuals, related by blood, marriage, adoption or cohabitation (AIFS, 2001). In all known societies the family has the function of regulating sexual behaviour and reproduction, of socialization, of protecting children and the elderly, and of providing its members with emotional support, health and well being (Edgar et al., 1993).
Over the last few decades, family formation patterns have changed considerably. Contemporary family sociology has identified that family practices, too, are also changing rapidly.…