Can Chosen Families Serve As Sustainable Social Structures Independent Of Heteronormative Kinship Models?
There has been an increasing interest in exploring alternative family structures beyond traditional nuclear families made up of biological parents and children. One such concept is that of "chosen families," which refers to groups of people who have intentionally created their own familial bonds without being related by blood or marriage. While chosen families have long existed in various cultures around the world, they are now gaining more recognition as a viable option for those seeking non-heteronormative kinship models. But can these non-traditional family units truly serve as sustainable social structures capable of providing the same level of support and stability as conventional families? In this article, I will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of chosen families and examine whether they can indeed offer a reliable alternative to heteronormativity.
One of the primary advantages of chosen families is that they allow individuals to form close relationships based on shared values, beliefs, and interests rather than genetics. Members may have found each other through online platforms, college courses, workplaces, hobbies, or mutual friends, and they choose to share responsibilities, joys, and sorrows together. This allows them to create a unique dynamic that can be highly beneficial for all involved parties.
Chosen families can provide emotional support during challenging times, financial aid when needed, and a sense of community and belonging. They also allow members to escape from the restrictive norms associated with traditional kinship structures.
Some argue that these communities lack many of the benefits offered by nuclear families, including legal protections, genetic connections, and biological ties.
In terms of sustainability, chosen families face several challenges. Firstly, they may not always function like traditional families since they do not necessarily have formalized roles or rules. Instead, members must communicate openly and regularly about their needs and expectations.
It can be difficult to maintain strong bonds over long distances if members live far apart.
Members may drift apart due to changing circumstances such as job relocations, new romantic partnerships, or family conflicts.
Chosen families are becoming increasingly common in today's world where individuals often prioritize personal growth and self-determination over social conformity. By choosing their own family members, they can avoid the pressures of societal expectations regarding gender roles, sexual orientation, and familial relationships. Moreover, this model may offer an alternative to the conventional structure's inherent sexism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia.
There are still practical difficulties to overcome. These include securing housing, healthcare, childcare, education, and retirement plans without access to familial networks. But many members feel that their chosen family provides them with more freedom, autonomy, and flexibility than a heteronormative one could ever provide. As a result, chosen families continue to gain popularity among those seeking alternatives to conventional kinship structures.
Can chosen families serve as sustainable social structures independent of heteronormative kinship models?
One study found that non-traditional family arrangements can be viable alternatives to traditional nuclear families, which are often based on heteronormative models (Sprankle et al. , 2015). In fact, some research suggests that non-traditional families may even have advantages over traditional families in certain situations, such as when it comes to providing financial support for older adults (Waldfogel & Washbrook, 2014).