ABSTRACT

The distinction between ‘The Family’ and ‘families’ is a key fault line in contemporary social and political thought. Using the term ‘families’ signifies rejection of the nuclear family household as the universal norm. Insistence on the definite article signals support for an ideal family form or

repudiation of ‘Western’ influences allegedly undermining local traditions. ‘Family’ is often used as a touchstone by which communities differentiate themselves from each other or gauge how they have changed over time. Changes in family life may therefore symbolize the effects of development or modernization processes, for better or for worse.