Families are the core unit of society in which people are supported and cared for and social values are developed. The role of each member within a family can be affected by changes in family situations and changes in the formation of the family itself. How well families function is a key factor in their ability to nurture personal wellbeing and serve as the basis for a cohesive society.

The structure of Australian families has undergone considerable transformation over recent years, reflecting wider social, demographic and economic changes. Further sub-dimensions include: social marriage status, family composition and age-specific and divorce rates. Together, they illustrate some of the main ways in which the concept of family continues to develop and change.