Family Identity Research Articles

On the sensations of direct-to-consumer DNA testing: realisations, resemblance and relationships

The field of genealogy has rapidly evolved with the rise of direct-to-consumer DNA testing, a digital technology with the potential to disrupt previously held understandings of family history. Recent theorisation in the sociology of personal life provides a useful lens to attune to potent sensations and affinities sparked by direct-to-consumer DNA testing. Our analysis focuses on the accounts of three donor-conceived people – Thomas, Simone and Amira – whose DNA discoveries significantly disrupted their familial, cultural and national identities. We explore three cascading flashes of insight derived from our analysis: realising and reordering the family tree – how DNA discoveries were experienced through a range of initial sensations from shock to stupidity to feeling cheated and duped; reflecting on resemblance – how DNA discoveries were felt through sensations of similarity and alterity; and re-evaluating relationships – how the sensations of DNA discoveries (re)shaped interactions with family. This article contributes to understanding donor-conceived people’s relational practices following DNA discoveries and the role of sensations in these practices. We argue that such sensations impact understandings of self and familial relationships, raising questions about social and genetic inheritance and who counts as family.

Perception of Family and Non-Family Company Logos in Eye Tracking and Face Reading Studies

Theoretical background: This article continues the research on the use of eye tracking and face reading tools to analyze and meaning of visual and emotional activity in the marketing field. This research focuses on understanding how different elements of the visual identity of companies, both family-owned and non-family-owned, affect consumer perception and emotion. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the study was to identify and characterize differences in the perception of logos of family and non-family businesses. The work aimed to determine whether family brands evoke stronger emotional and visual engagement compared to non-family brands. Research methods: The paper presents the methodology and results of the completed research on the elements of visual identity of family and non-family businesses. The study was carried out using eye tracking (eye tracking) and monitoring of respondents’ facial expressions (face reading). Data on respondents’ visual activity and facial expression were collected in parallel and subjected to qualitative analysis. Main findings: The results of the study confirm that consumers show greater emotional involvement in exploring family brands. They registered a higher percentage of positive emotions and a longer time of focusing their eyes on logos of family-owned companies compared to logos of non-family-owned companies. This analysis provides valuable information for marketing strategies, indicating the importance of family identity in building positive brand associations.

Cafecitos as a Conduit for Latinx Family Engagement Through Community Cultural Wealth

This critical ethnography presents findings from a two-year-long study of Latinx family engagement using cafecitos in a dual-language elementary school. Using ethnographic approaches to data collection and analysis, the researchers analyzed how to implement cafecito monthly meetings with parents that focused on engagement approaches and arts integration surrounding a community cultural wealth model. Findings revealed a correlation between positive family and student identity development because of the integration of community members as experts within the cafecitos. We share recommendations for using cafecitos as a tool for parental engagement to create a more inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment that benefits students and their families.

Exploring relationship maintenance behaviors among emerging adult siblings: comparative analysis of measurement frameworks

ABSTRACT This study replicates and expands upon Myers (2022) work examining the moderating influence of shared family identity on relationship maintenance behaviors and relational quality. This research also offers a comparative analysis between two measurement frameworks designed to evaluate relationship maintenance behaviors: Canary and Stafford’s (1992) model and Ledbetter’s (2013) framework. Survey data was collected from 218 undergraduate students at a mid-size university in the southern United States, all enrolled in undergraduate communication courses. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression, findings demonstrate the moderating effect of shared family identity on emerging adult sibling use of the following relationship maintenance behaviors from Ledbetter’s measurement framework—verbal affection, informal talk, deep talk, conflict management, and shared networks—and perceived relational quality. Notably, none of Canary and Stafford’s maintenance strategies produced significant results in the moderation analysis.

Unravelling the microbiome of wild flowering plants: a comparative study of leaves and flowers in alpine ecosystems

BackgroundWhile substantial research has explored rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbiomes, knowledge on flower microbiome, particularly in wild plants remains limited. This study explores into the diversity, abundance, and composition of bacterial and fungal communities on leaves and flowers of wild flowering plants in their natural alpine habitat, considering the influence of environmental factors.MethodsWe investigated 50 wild flowering plants representing 22 families across seven locations in Austria. Sampling sites encompassed varied soil types (carbonate/silicate) and altitudes (450–2760 m). Amplicon sequencing to characterize bacterial and fungal communities and quantitative PCR to assess microbial abundance was applied, and the influence of biotic and abiotic factors assessed.ResultsOur study revealed distinct bacterial and fungal communities on leaves and flowers, with higher diversity and richness on leaves (228 fungal and 91 bacterial ASVs) than on flowers (163 fungal and 55 bacterial ASVs). In addition, Gammaproteobacteria on flowers and Alphaproteobacteria on leaves suggests niche specialization for plant compartments. Location significantly shaped both community composition and fungal diversity on both plant parts. Notably, soil type influenced community composition but not diversity. Altitude was associated with increased fungal species diversity on leaves and flowers. Furthermore, significant effects of plant family identity emerged within a subset of seven families, impacting bacterial and fungal abundance, fungal Shannon diversity, and bacterial species richness, particularly on flowers.ConclusionThis study provides novel insights into the specific microbiome of wild flowering plants, highlighting adaptations to local environments and plant–microbe coevolution. The observed specificity indicates a potential role in plant health and resilience, which is crucial for predicting how microbiomes respond to changing environments, ultimately aiding in the conservation of natural ecosystems facing climate change pressures.

Wife’s Obligations According to Marriage Law: Perspective of Legal Purpose Theory

Background. The wife’s obligations under marriage law are contrary to Islamic law.. This difference raises questions about the suitability of the law with social values. Social history records significant developments in the role of the wife in the dynamics of household affairs. Aims. To analyze the basis of Article 34 paragraph 2 of the Marriage Law concerning the wife's obligation to manage household affairs and theoretical views on the purpose of the law on the article. Methods. Normative legal research uses a conceptual approach to explore the understanding of the basis of law. Data were obtained through literature studies and analyzed descriptively based on the theory of the purpose of law. Results. Article 34 paragraph 2 iin terms of justice, reflects distributive and commutative justice. The fair division of roles between husband and wife is reflected and affirms equality in lineage and family identity. Justice will be achieved by avoiding exploitation or inequality in the exchange of roles. The wife's obligations in terms of benefits are considered an effort to achieve the greatest possible benefits for individuals and families. Consistent and clear application of the law is very important in terms of certainty. The history of marriage law shows the complexity in the interpretation and application of the law. Efforts to create legal certainty have been made through the unification and simplification of laws, as well as the affirmation of norms that regulate the wife's obligations firmly and unambiguously.

Трансформация гражданственности студенчества в «переломное время» (на материалах фокус-групп и эссе студентов вузов Ростовской области в 2022 и 2024 гг.)

The article analyzes the opinions and civil positions of students of the Rostov region universities in the context of a Special Military Operation and a destructive ideological war of the collective West against the Russian Federation. Based on the materials of the focus group and essays of the Don students in October – November 2022 (8 groups) and in April 2024 (6 groups, 203 essays), the life-forming factors of student youth are described: life, peace, humanism, family and immediate environment, collectivism and mutual assistance, historical memory, small homeland, patriotism. The events and factors that influenced the moral and social state of the Don students are identified: confrontation with existential problems of war and peace, life and death; uncertainty of the future in the context of the inevitability of a Special Military Operation, cultural isolation of Russia, geopolitical risks and transformation of the world order. In the face of an existential choice, there is a rethinking of the value of family, an increase in the role of the immediate circle and small homeland. A targeted state policy of memory, glorification and memorization of the Special Military Operation participants creates the ground for an increase in the role of historical memory, the values of patriotism and citizenship, trust in the authorities and approval of political decisions. The perception of Western values becomes more critical; the severity of anxiety about the cultural, economic, political isolation of Russia is erased. The hypothesis about the existence of two models of citizenship of Russian students was confirmed: a) the first (civic consciousness as public-state patriotism) is associated with factors of sociocentrism, where there is an identity with one's family, ethnic group, small homeland, and civic identity with the Russian state is strengthened, associated with a sense of duty, responsibility and obligation to it; b) the second (global citizenship) is based on the principles of anthropocentrism with guarantees of observance of constitutional rights and freedoms, humanistic values and global citizenship, but without the individual's obligations to the state.

Urban family with minor children: resources, moral guidelines and social adaptation of working parents. Part one

The first part of the article presents the results of studying the daily activities of working parents in the field of caring for minor children and their upbringing. Data from monitoring studies of the daily activities and time budget of urban residents carried out during 1986-2020 were used. The composition of families with children is considered and the resource characteristics of parents are analyzed, which turned out to be very similar for fathers and mothers. The relationship of parents' time spent on caring for children and their upbringing with parents' belonging to fathers and mothers, with their age, level of education, religious identity and income level in parents' families, as well as with some value orientations of fathers and mothers, is investigated. The analysis showed that the objective picture of working parents using time resources for activities with children does not agree with their subjective opinion that “activities with their childre n, their upbringing is the most important thing in the life of both spouses”. At the same time, most working fathers and mothers are satisfied with the time spent both on caring for children and on their upbringing as time resources. The characteristics of the provision of fathers and mothers with other resources do not affect their satisfaction with time spent. There is a direct relationship between satisfaction with the time spent on raising children and parents' satisfaction with life in general. An analysis of the moral guidelines of parents, which are the moral basis for the process of socialization of minor children in the family, has shown that more than half of the moral qualities related to virtues are the norm for the vast majority of fathers and to a somewhat lesser extent for mothers. At the same time, there is a tendency to blur parents' ideas about qualities-virtues and anti-virtues as a norm and deviation from it. In addition, a trend is emerging in which, judging by estimates, a considerable part of parents do not see a positive life prospect for their children, in terms of their social adaptation, if children in life are guided by the same virtues as the parents themselves. The first part in the article analyzes the composition and resource potential and the use of time resources of parents for child care and upbringing. The second part will be about the moral guidelines and the results of social adaptation of working parents. The numbering of tables and figures is continuous in both parts.

“We are an active family”: a randomized trial protocol to evaluate a family-system social identity intervention to promote child physical activity

BackgroundRegular engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during childhood yields a myriad of health benefits, and contributes to sustained MVPA behaviors into adulthood. Given the influence of parents on shaping their child’s MVPA behaviour, the family system represents a viable target for intervention. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two intervention conditions designed to increase child MVPA: (1) A standard education + planning intervention providing information about benefits, action planning, and coping planning; and (2) An augmented physical activity education + planning intervention that includes the components of the standard intervention, as well as a focus on family identity promotion and developing as an active member of the family.MethodsA two-arm parallel single-blinded randomized trial will compare the two conditions over 6 months. Eligible families have at least one child aged 6–12 years who is not meeting the physical activity recommendations within the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (i.e.,<60 min/day of MVPA). Intervention materials targeting family identity promotion will be delivered online via zoom following baseline assessment, with booster sessions at 6-weeks and 3-months. Child MVPA will be measured by wGT3X-BT Actigraph accelerometry at baseline, 6-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months as the primary outcome. At these same time points, parent cognition (e.g., attitudes, perceived control, behavioral regulation, habit, identity) and support behaviours, and parent-child co-activity will be assessed via questionnaire as secondary outcomes. Child-health fitness measures will be also administered through fitness testing at baseline and 6-months as secondary outcomes. Finally, upon completion of the trial’s 6-month measures, a follow-up end-of-trial interview will be conducted with parents to examine parents’ experiences with the intervention.ResultsSo far, 30 families have been enrolled from the Southern Vancouver Island and Vancouver Lower Mainland area. Recruitment will be continuing through 2026 with a target of 148 families.DiscussionThis study will contribute to the understanding of effective strategies to increase child physical activity by comparing two intervention approaches. Both provide parents with education on physical activity benefits, action planning, and coping planning supports. However, one intervention also incorporates components focused on promoting an active family identity and involving all family members in physical activity together. The findings from this study have the potential to inform the design and implementation of public health initiatives aimed at improving physical activity participation in children and guide the development of more effective interventions that leverage the crucial role of parents and the family system in shaping children’s physical activity behaviors.Trial RegistrationThe clinical trial registration ID is NCT05794789. This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov on March 2nd, 2023, with the last updated release on September 28th, 2023.

“Awe, Masekinders!”: Kullid Identities from Eden Park, Johannesburg in the Work of Bougaard

ABSTRACT Bougaard, an emerging South African creative practitioner, examines games from her “Coloured” childhood community in Eden Park, Johannesburg, and how these games may offer a window into a reframed Kullid identity. She considers the rhymes used in these games and the role of language—specifically Afrikaaps—in identity formation, and explores through papermaking and art installations the social contexts and meanings embedded in these games. In this article, the authors analyse Bougaard’s use of sculpture, papermaking and printmaking techniques both to mediate and to subvert conventionalised tropes and stereotypes of “Coloured” communities as well as to empower a sense of her familial and community-based identity through an emergent Kullidness. The authors focus on selected paper works and on three mixed media installations (2021–2022). The authors complicate any reading of these works as uncritically affirmative of a declamatory and essentialist identity position by proposing Bougaard’s visual strategies as premised upon mediation, ambivalence, indexicality, and refuting iconicity. The authors identify Bougaard as deploying elements of strategic essentialism in her desire for community visibility and visual sovereignty, and the authors therefore critique the benefits and the limitations of this approach, concluding that Bougaard’s choice of mediating strategies avoids a simplistic narrative of community life.

Making sense of adoption disruption: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the lived experiences of adoptive parents

BackgroundAdoption is typically considered an appropriate means of providing stability for children who have experienced developmental trauma and cannot live with their birth families. Unfortunately, in a small number of cases, adoptive parents are unable to continue to parent their child, and the family therefore experience adoption disruption. The present study explores the lived experiences of adoptive parents who have experienced adoption disruption in order to better understand the meaning they attach to these experiences. MethodSix participants from England and Wales took part in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted either remotely or in person on premises associated with an independent psychology practice. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. FindingsParticipants reported similar experiences of the adoption process and the associated challenges of parenting children who have experienced developmental trauma. Participants’ narratives were summarised using three overarching themes: (1) the relational identity of adoptive families; (2) adoptive parenting as a losing battle; and (3) adoption disruption as a journey of acceptance; comprising seven subthemes in total. Similarities and differences between participants’ meaning-making are described. ConclusionsParticipants’ meaning-making of adoption disruption is discussed in relation to previous literature, as well as theoretical concepts about idiocentrism, ecological systems theory and individual appraisals. The present study contributes to the growing body of literature that describes the determination of adoptive parents in light of significant challenges, and calls for better support for such families in order to help break transgenerational cycles of trauma.

Family and personal identity among Roma students in Colleges for Advanced Studies: Identity preservation and change

AbstractDuring their studies, Roma university students enter into a milieu different from their family environment and this can affect their identity. In our research, we used life story interviews (N = 108) to study Roma university students who attended Roma College for Advanced Studies (RCAS). We were interested in how their identities were formed and what role their family Roma identity strategy and the RCAS played in it. In our analysis, we divided the Roma students into five categories (separated, integrated, assimilated, negative, marginalized) and these identity strategies were also used to determine the respondents' family identity. In the sample, the largest proportion consisted of those who had an integrated personal and family Roma identity strategy. The majority of the respondents had not changed identity strategies and also interpreted their personal identity according to the family pattern. Some of the Roma university students went to RCAS specifically to strengthen their Roma identity. Overall, it can be said that the family Roma identity strategy can be linked to the development of personal identity, and the RCAS can have a role in preserving and strengthening the Roma identity of university students.

El Lugar de las mujeres y la familia en la historia del yacimiento estatal de Chuquicamata entre 1970 y 2020

Over a century of existence, Chuquicamata-CODELCO company in Chile has deployed strategies that strengthen identities and loyalties that underlie a hegemonic model of male dominance, so far without counterpoint in Chilean mining. In this article, we explore how the copper industry has shaped subjectivities, social relations and loyalties among workers at the Chuquicamata mine from a gender perspective. We explore the interaction between the concreteness of the copper activity and the process of subjectivation that has generated, on the one hand, shared identities and, on the other, particular social configurations. We also observe practices of constitution of masculinized mining bodies and the way in which they are linked to family and work identities developed in different domestic and productive spaces and controlled in different ways by the company.

A Conditional Process Analysis of Siblings’ Religious Communication (Non)accommodation, Surface Acting, and Shared Family Identity

ABSTRACT This study tested the conditional direct and indirect associations between siblings’ religious (non)accommodation and shared family identity (SFI) vis-à-vis surface acting. Participants included 218 young adults who reported on a target sibling’s (non)accommodation of their religious beliefs, as well as their family’s conversation and conformity orientations. Results indicated that the sibling’s religious (non)accommodation was directly and indirectly associated with the participant’s SFI with the sibling via the participant’s surface acting during religious conversations. The associations varied in magnitude, however, as a function of family conversation and conformity orientations. For sibling accommodation, the positive indirect association with SFI grew in magnitude for families low to moderate in conversation orientation as conformity orientation increased. For sibling nonaccommodation, the negative direct association with SFI diminished in magnitude as both family orientations increased, whereas the negative indirect association increased in magnitude for families low to moderate in conversation orientation as conformity orientation increased.

“My queer identity and my family identity are two very separate things”: A mixed-methods study investigating the psychological implications of family identity and support for trans and gender diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My queer identity and my family identity are two very separate things”: A mixed-methods study investigating the psychological implications of family identity and support for trans and gender diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Outsider to Insider: Women's Marital Names and Family Identity in Nineteenth-Century Taiwan

This article explores the naming customs of married women in Taiwan during the nineteenth century. By attempting to unveil the factors that caused women to prefix the husband's surname, it shows that the practice likely developed from legal and property documents. It also elaborates the convention's relationship with women's family identity, arguing that women were “dual outsiders” in both the natal and affinal family. However, this study finally demonstrates that prefixing the husband's surname did not connote their passivity or subjugation as married women, especially widows who could rely on it to call upon their rights within the family and society.

Identity of the Family Business Company. How Do the Most Valuable Polish Family-Owned Companies Use Family Identity in Building the Image of a Family-Owned Company?

Theoretical background: In Poland, family-owned companies have been actively developing since the democratic transformation. Some of them have used market conditions, being mature and large entities, consciously building their corporate brand identities, and communicating their messages on their websites. A lot of them are faced with a strategic decision whether to build a brand based on the family-owned type of brand, as encouraged by associations, foundations as well, and the media, whose goal is to support and integrate family-owned companies. Purpose of the article: This article aims to explore the way in which the most valuable Polish family-owned companies that decided to be presented in the Forbes ranking in September 2023 communicate the identity of the family firm on their website and to fid out if there is any pattern or model of communication. Research methods: Fifty websites from 100 family businesses classifid in the Forbes magazine ranking of the most valuable Polish family-owned companies with revenues exceeding PLN 100 million, published in September 2023, were examined, diagnosing elements indicating the adoption of the brand identity of a family business. The criteria for building the family business brand for Polish companies were developed with the participation of 12 experts in the field of family business. Main findings: A model was constructed to identify the family identity of the brand of the family-owned company using family-owned websites. The results of the research indicate that the percentage of family-owned companies among the most precious family owned companies which are defied as family owned companies is higher than that indicated in the reports as of 2009 and 2017 for small and medium companies in Poland.

Family dynamics and relationships while living with heart disease

Abstract Background When an adult within a family is diagnosed with heart disease, it influences the whole family. Family members might be concerned about the well-being and prognosis of the affected adult, while the affected adult may fear becoming a burden to the family. When having heart disease lifestyle adjustments are necessary and these changes can cause disruption within the family. To understand the holistic impact of living with heart disease, it is important to integrate the perspectives of all family members and analyze the dynamics of their relationships. Addressing this knowledge gap, can enable more precise and effective support measures for families navigating this challenging situation. Purpose To describe how family life and relationships are affected when an adult is affected by heart disease. Methods This was a qualitative semi-structured individual interview study, conducted in Scandinavia in 2019 to 2022. In all, 28 families from three university hospitals were included. Inclusion criteria were families with an adult who was diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, heart valve disease or cardiac arrest who had an adolescent living at home. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive and latent approach. Results Three themes emerged. 1) "Transitioning family dynamics" explored the consequences of altered family structures due to heart disease, impacting communication patterns and responsibilities. Some families adopted collective strategies, fostering unity and a supportive environment. In contrast, other families exhibited varied coping strategies, leading to diverse communication patterns and opinions. Family diversity presented both advantages, fostering understanding, and challenges, potentially causing misunderstandings and conflicts. 2) "Family bonding" highlighted how pre-existing family relationships influenced the experience of dealing with a family member's heart disease. Strong pre-existing bonds facilitated a smoother recovery process compared to families with unresolved issues, serving as a valuable support system during challenging times. 3) "Becoming different as a family" underscored the disappointment arising from a family member's heart disease affecting the family. The disease's physical invisibility added complexity, challenging the maintenance of normalcy and creating a distinct detached feeling. This distinctiveness extended beyond observable routine changes, influencing emotional dynamics. The constant need for adjustments formed a unique family identity, evolving relationships beyond typical familial connections. Conclusion Families affected by heart disease handle this in various ways. Open communication and establishing a robust network of support emerged as crucial elements in helping families overcoming the multifaceted challenges associated with living with heart disease.

'Our family came to be with this name'

The article focuses on surname choices among families in Denmark, seeking to add a new perspective by proposing that the choices and narratives of surnames contain information about and reflect family identity formation as well as family and gender practices. It examines individuals and couples in different family formations in accordance with the diverse family landscape of Denmark in the 2020s. The analysis shows that for some, surname choices are closely related to the idea of family, while others attach less importance to surnames. It also demonstrates that while surname choices are sometimes used for doing gender, surname choices are also part of undoing gender practices.

Pemanfaatan Media Sosial untuk Quality Time Keluarga pada Pekerja Stayer dan Mover

Physical absence due to distance limits quality family time for workers due to job migration. Social media now has become a means of communication to maintain ties, form family identity, and replace physical presence. This research aims to test and prove the existence of differences between stayer and mover (circular) workers in utilizing social media for quality family time. This research uses quantitative methods, explanatory in nature, with comparative analysis. The survey method was used to collect data by filling out a questionnaire via Google Form. The sample was selected using convenience sampling from workers in a number of offices in the Jabodetabek area. Data processing was carried out using SPSS version 29 on 127 questionnaires filled in by respondents. The Mann-Whitney Test was used to determine differences in the use of social media by stayer and mover (circular) workers. The research results show that there are differences between stayer and mover (circular) workers in utilizing social media for family quality time, as measured by perceptions, attitudes, behavior and level of social media use. Behavioral variables have a moderate correlation to perception variables, and strong correlations to attitude variables. The variable level of social media use has a very weak correlation with the variables of perception, attitude and behavior. This proves that compared to stayer workers, mover (circular) workers use social media more to create quality family time and overcome physical absence. It is recommended that further research add qualitative methods (becoming mixed methods) so as to enrich and strengthen the data about the different reasons for using social media through in-depth interviews. Expanding the opulation, different research areas, and samples involving different community groups can be carried out to determine differences in the use of social media by other community groups.