Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

Definitions, common uses and explanations of 1,500+ key market research terms and phrases.

What is a Family?

Research Topics:
Demographic Analysis | Demographic Profiles
Industry/Market Focus:
Children | Consumers | Parents
Content Type:
Glossary
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Family Definition

As defined by the Bureau of the Census, two or more persons who are related by birth, marriage or adoption and who live together as one household. Families do not include one-person households or those having two or more unrelated individuals.

Family refers to a group of individuals connected in one or more of a variety of ways. The Bureau of the Census defines a family as two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption and living together as one household. Families do not include one-person households or those having two or more unrelated individuals. In marketing research, family refers to a group of individuals connected by blood, marriage or adoption and living together as a single unit. This includes parents, children and other relatives sharing a household. 

Who relies on families?

Marketing professionals, advertisers and product developers seek to learn how purchasing decisions are influenced within family units. These insights can lead to the creation of targeted campaigns and products that align with family needs and values.

Why should I care about families?

The family serves as a primary source of emotional and financial support in our society, thus impacting buying choices among all generations. Understanding the dynamics and relationships among family members enables marketing professionals to create relatable content and products that resonate on a personal level, thus fostering brand loyalty and long-term customer relationships.