Family

Latin familia — household, including servants and slaves. From famulus — servant. The Roman familia was an economic and legal unit under the authority of the paterfamilias — not primarily a unit of affection.

'Family values' became a political phrase in the 1970s and 80s — a shorthand for a specific social conservative vision. 'Chosen family' emerged as a counter-claim. The word is fought over because it carries legal rights, tax implications, and moral authority simultaneously.