FAMILY BEYOND TRADITION: REFLECTIONS ON NEW ARRANGEMENTS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

This text discusses the plurality of family arrangements in contemporary society, highlighting their historical, religious, legal, and sociocultural dimensions. Moving beyond the traditional nuclear model, the study explores diverse configurations such as single-parent families, same-sex parenting, adoptive families, blended families, childless couples by choice, extended families, and foster care arrangements. Drawing on national and international literature, the text emphasizes how these family forms challenge traditional norms while reflecting broader social transformations. The concept of family is analyzed as a dynamic and affective construct, increasingly defined by emotional bonds, mutual support, and shared responsibilities rather than strictly legal or biological ties. The article also addresses the tensions between contemporary family realities and persistent social expectations rooted in religious and cultural traditions. It advocates for the recognition and inclusion of diverse family structures in public discourse, legal frameworks, and social policies. By analyzing family through multiple lenses, the article seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of its current configurations and the need for inclusive approaches that respect the diversity of experiences and relationships that define what it means to be a family today.