Family Definition Discussion Questions

I’m working on a sociology multi-part question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

How will you define family? Discuss some of the changes in American families over the past several decades and how these changes necessitate a change to the definition of family.

Using ecological, sociological, and historical perspectives how has the economic recession that began in 2008 affected parents who are trying to support households, young workers, and people nearing retirement age?