The chapter discussed the dramatic changes in family structure today. The reality is that many other types of families continue to grow rapidly as well. Indeed, some experts argue that as traditional family living arrangements wane, we place even greater emphasis on siblings, close friends, and other relatives who provide companionship and social support.113 Some people join intentional families, groups of unrelated people who meet regularly for meals and who spend holidays together.114 Indeed, for some the act of meeting together to consume homemade food plays a central role in defining family: It is a symbolic way to separate a family unit from other social groups by allowing the cook(s) to personalize the meal and express affection via the effort that went into preparing the feast.115 What evidence do you find of the impact of nontraditional family structures? How will these alternative lifestyles change the way we think about consumer behavior?

AppendixLO1