What is the definition of a household?

The definition of a household is accurately captured by the idea of a person or group of people living in the same residence. This encompasses a wide variety of living arrangements, including traditional family units, groups of friends, or individuals sharing a home. The key aspect is the shared living space, which distinguishes a household from other social units where individuals may not reside together, such as people in isolation or families living in different locations.

Moreover, the essence of a household lies in its collective nature—multiple individuals or a singular person forming a unit based on proximity and shared domestic life. This concept is foundational in sociology as it lays the groundwork for understanding family dynamics, social interactions, and resource sharing within a living arrangement.