Families are essential for human beings. They play an important role in providing emotional and social support, fostering healthy development, and promoting well-being throughout life. For this reason, family is often considered a cornerstone of society, and its members have access to many resources that non-family individuals may lack.
What happens when traditional families fail to provide such support? In these cases, chosen families can offer a viable alternative. Chosen families are defined as "groups of people who come together for mutual benefit or for companionship" (Chouinard & Cox, 2016). These groups are formed out of shared interests, values, or lifestyles, rather than blood relations, but they still carry weight and influence in the lives of their members. The purpose of this article is to explore how chosen families can serve as a source of relational and ethical support in contexts where conventional kinship has failed.
It is necessary to understand why some families do not meet the needs of their members. Some families may be too dysfunctional to provide adequate support, while others may simply be absent due to death or distance. Still, other families may not share the same values or beliefs as their children, making them feel isolated and disconnected from their parents. In any case, there are multiple reasons why a person might turn to a chosen family for support. This may include the need for acceptance, identity formation, belonging, and empowerment. By contrast, chosen families tend to be more diverse and inclusive, allowing members to explore different identities and experiences without fear of judgment. They also encourage open communication and honesty, fostering deeper relationships based on trust and intimacy.
Chosen families often take on a moral and existential role in their members' lives. As an example, many LGBTQ+ individuals choose to build close-knit networks with friends instead of traditional biological families because of rejection or lack of understanding. In these cases, chosen families become a safe space where they can express themselves freely, find solidarity, and receive emotional comfort.
Chosen families can offer practical benefits like sharing resources, financial aid, and social support during times of crisis. These groups can be especially helpful for those facing discrimination or marginalization, providing a sense of community that they may otherwise lack.
Building a chosen family is not always easy. It requires time, effort, and commitment to form deep connections with others. Members must also be willing to compromise and respect each other's boundaries, communicating effectively and addressing conflicts constructively. Nevertheless, the potential payoff is significant - a strong network of support that provides both relational and ethical guidance.
It is clear that chosen families play a vital role in society, offering alternative sources of support when conventional kinship fails. Whether through shared interests, values, or beliefs, these groups provide a sense of connection and belonging that can help people thrive.
What moral and existential weight do chosen families carry in contexts where conventional kinship fails to provide relational or ethical support?
Chosen family is an important concept that has been embraced by many people who face social exclusion due to various reasons like sexual orientation, religion, race, nationality, physical ability, socioeconomic status, and age. They choose to form relationships with individuals or groups of people outside their biological families for several reasons such as social support, love, companionship, and belongingness.