Research on the space where kinship relations are enacted has become a rich approach to the study of contemporary family life. This article outlines a “theoretical map for family space”, using the place of origin of individuals and other kinship ties together with current important places (such as second homes or particular geographical spaces that are frequently used). Using data from the “Biographies et Entourage” survey, the mosaic of places that make up the geographical universe of the individual is constructed by building up these successive layers in order to show how family territory is conceptualised. The research shows that by confronting the given family territory with often frequented places (whether these be place of origin or places defined by where family members live), family space is shown to extend beyond the immediate locality of the individual.
Keywords
- life space
- family territory
- family functioning
- biographies and entourage