Family

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The definition of family has evolved quite significantly with the expansive growth in reproductive technologies within recent years. Anymore, family is defined broadly and subjectively. The influence of new forms of reproduction has allowed for structural change directly and indirectly to the modern family unit. Within the contents of this paper, there will be a review of how the reproductive technologies past, present and future have influenced the family structure within the psyche of our culture.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first and primary definition of a family is a group of people who are related to each other. Clearly, this definition is in flux depending on the individual circumstances a family may be presented with. A group of people that are related to one another may not necessarily deem themselves to be family. The changing juxtaposition of how we interact with one another and define our small units in society hinges more on the closeness we feel to the person rather, than biological relation, gender, proximity, and legality.
With the inclusion of sperm banks, harvesting of ova, freezing of embryos, the use of surrogates, and in-vitro fertilization at the forefront of family growth; a new dawn is arising in how we incorporate those that we are related to and those we want to feel close to. This however, is not a new and novel concept. Family structure is a constant and ever-changing definition because humans have long established and reestablished whom they choose to include within their personal family unit for a variety of reasons. Influenced by divorce, abandonment, royal ties, societal hierarchy, and adoption; family units have not only shifted in our cultural perception but, have the tende...

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... modern day era of assisted reproductive technology a swift and sweeping change has affected the first world countries of the world in the redefinition of family, kinship and marriage. The interrelatedness we experience is in a constant state of flux as we shift into this new and yet, established composition of persons. There is an emphatic need to explore the multiple variations that may result.
Presently the world may be seen as in a state of impending change in its cultural perceptions of kinship due to the advancement of reproductive technology. The ecumenical formulation of reproduction as a whole applies to all people in all cultures since every human being is the direct result of reproduction assisted by technology or otherwise. Therefore, all persons feel free to maintain varying and widespread opinions based on their inherent view and native culture.

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