Redefining Family Literature Review
KRJC's research fellows have studied several disciplines to advance discussion about the relationship between the development of American capitalism and the history of family structures in the United States. The result of this work is Redefining Family, a 53 page literature review.
We have explored anticapitalist and Black feminist frameworks to trace the ways the American family has transformed over the last four centuries, demonstrating the inextricable tie between capitalist exploitation and the development of the nuclear family ideal. We have outlined the destructive impact of the nuclear family ideal on families of color, lower-income families, and queer communities through family surveillance, separation, and the state’s neglect of those who don’t conform to the reigning white, middle-class nuclear family norm.
Instead, we posit that a valid solution is family abolition, a theoretical framework which arose from the feminist movement of the twentieth century, which asserts that the capitalist system’s reliance on private families to fulfill all of individuals’ care needs is harmful to families in itself.
We have explored anticapitalist and Black feminist frameworks to trace the ways the American family has transformed over the last four centuries, demonstrating the inextricable tie between capitalist exploitation and the development of the nuclear family ideal. We have outlined the destructive impact of the nuclear family ideal on families of color, lower-income families, and queer communities through family surveillance, separation, and the state’s neglect of those who don’t conform to the reigning white, middle-class nuclear family norm.
Instead, we posit that a valid solution is family abolition, a theoretical framework which arose from the feminist movement of the twentieth century, which asserts that the capitalist system’s reliance on private families to fulfill all of individuals’ care needs is harmful to families in itself.
Call for Submissions
In an effort to expand the Redefining Family project, we're collecting the stories of people practicing radical community care and expansive family (or un-family) making. We want to hear about your non-nuclear family, whether that's a polyamorous multi-parent household or your queer chosen family. We want to know about your non-biological care web, the mutual aid network in your local neighborhood, or intentional living communities, big and small.
We want to hear your voice! Share the challenges you've faced, the inspiring surprises, we want to know how and why you're creating radical care structures. You can tell your story using any medium you want. Read our full guidelines for more details and don't forget to submit your piece before September 5, 2025.
We want to hear your voice! Share the challenges you've faced, the inspiring surprises, we want to know how and why you're creating radical care structures. You can tell your story using any medium you want. Read our full guidelines for more details and don't forget to submit your piece before September 5, 2025.
Executive Summaries and Reading List
In addition to the full report, we have compiled two executive summaries: academic and informal. This information is packaged in a more accessible and concise way for those seeking to use this information in their work (academic) or to share with their communities (colloquial/informal). We have also included the Redefining Family reading list and all sources used in the literature review.
Redefining Family: Family Abolition for the Current Times #BMHW25
Want to dive deeper into the concepts in Redefining Family?
Join us on Tuesday, April 15th to explore Family Abolition, examine non-normative ways of family building, and dream of a future in which we decentralize the nuclear family structure. Sign up here!
Join us on Tuesday, April 15th to explore Family Abolition, examine non-normative ways of family building, and dream of a future in which we decentralize the nuclear family structure. Sign up here!
