Family Diversities and Wellbeing Framework
Family Identity
How family identities are constructed


The Family Identity lens focuses on how families view themselves and how they are perceived and represented by others.
Family identities can create a sense of belonging to a larger community with which families share common features and experiences. Yet, these identities may also be imposed on families in ways that create stigma and lead to marginalization and exclusion.
Some of these identities are represented in the family habits, rituals, traditions, and characteristics that bind people together.
Examples:
• Immigrant families
• Indigenous families
• LGBTQ2S+ families
• Racialized families
Related resources
Research summaries / February 22, 2024
Research Snapshot: Family Experiences and Anti-Black Racism in Early Childhood Education
Summary of a study on how anti-Black racism affects Black Canadians in early childhood
View resourceResearch summaries / November 2, 2023
Research Snapshot: “Family Stories” and Intergenerational Voices of Adoption
A summary of a study on the effects of adoption in adulthood
View resourceInfographics and factsheets / February 6, 2018
A Snapshot of Family Diversity in Canada (February 2018)
Download A Snapshot of Family Diversity in Canada (February 2018). For more than 50 years, the Vanier Institute of the Family has monitored, studied and discussed trends in families and family life in Canada. From the beginning, the evidence has consistently made one thing clear: there is no single story to tell, because families are […]
View resourceExplore the framework
Click the framework lenses below to learn more
Family Structure
How people are linked to form families

Family Work
How paid and unpaid work are distributed in families

Family Identity
How family identities are constructed

Family Wellbeing
Material, Relational, Subjective
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