“In…recent work, the notion of family is often expanded to include individuals, either living together or not, who are tied by not only marriage, birth, and adoption, but also by dependence, obligation or duty, love, caring, or cooperation (Rothausen, 1999). In some literatures, this is called the affiliative family or the wider family.These definitions are less restrictive and legalistic, and more inclusive and functional in their approach.” (Rothausen-Vange, 2005)
Rothhausen-Vange, T.J. (2005). Family diversity, a Sloan Work and Family Encyclopedia entry. Retrieved March 30, 2007, from http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/encyclopedia_entry.php?id=1138&area=academic.