According to the Australian census dictionary, how is a family defined?

The definition of a family as outlined in the Australian census dictionary emphasizes the connection between individuals through blood, marriage, or adoption. This understanding of family is foundational in sociological studies and demographic analysis, as it encompasses a broad spectrum of familial relationships that include traditional nuclear families, extended families, and those formed through adoption.

Defining family in this way allows for a more inclusive perspective that recognizes the diverse forms families can take in contemporary society. For instance, it acknowledges that a family unit might not only consist of parents and their biological children but also stepparents and adopted children who are integral to their family structures.

The other options presented do not align with this official definition. While individuals living alone, single parents, or friends can form meaningful bonds that resemble family ties, they do not meet the specific criterion of being connected through blood, marriage, or adoption as stipulated by the census definition. This clarity helps in understanding demographic data and the structure of households within Australia.