Simplistic concept of families

Narrow legal definition of the family structure

Nature

Although legal recognition of the family may be restricted to husband, wife, children and immediate dependents, in many communities the actual family structure is far more extended. It may cover cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces of any degree and also brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and concubines, their children and other relations. In certain communities the 'family' is anyone with the same family name.

Claim

Insofar as kinship patterns involve obligations which have remained despite transition from tribal to more modern society, national legal administrative procedure, often based on the western principle, is ill adapted to meet social needs. This results in continuing poverty, inadequate social security, abandoned and illegitimate children, delinquency, crime, unemployment and general family disorganization.