What does the term 'family of procreation' refer to?

The term 'family of procreation' specifically refers to the family that individuals create through marriage and childbearing. This concept highlights the family unit established by adults who come together to have children and raise them.

In sociological terms, this is contrasted with one's 'family of orientation,' which is the family into which a person is born or raised. The family of procreation emphasizes the roles and relationships that develop once individuals start their own families, particularly the responsibilities associated with parenting and partnership.

Understanding this terminology is crucial because it helps to clarify the different types of familial relationships and structures in society. In contrast, a family that focuses solely on economic support or one that is chosen, while relevant in discussions of family dynamics, does not specifically denote the act of forming a family through marriage and childbearing, which is the core definition of 'family of procreation.'