We can deal with a family when a group of people are gathered by family ties. The original goal of a family is to survive in front of the external dangers. The notion of family is different according to the different cultures. In some cultures, the family is only represented by blood ties, whereas in other cultures, the only fact of having a reverse solidarity link gives a familial status.

In developed countries, the status of family has completely been evolving for the last centuries. Traditionally, the family had its own legal capacity. It was a block in the heart of the society. During the XVIIIth century families that could vote was represented by the chief of the family (usually the father).

Anyhow, the family keeps being a key element of the evolution of men. Whether it be considered as free of access or restricted to an elite it gives an identity to everyone. Everybody needs to rest on roots to move on, and create a family to give a perpetuity to himself. Some let children, and other let thought behind them.

Some people consider that an important thought spread by someone who died, belongs to his family. Thus the physical aspect of the family is over, and a more intellectual, a wittier notion of the family is raised. Some people even consider their pets like relatives, and in some countries, the law makes it possible to let a will to a pet.