The family is the oldest and most fundamental of human institutions. The conjugal, elementary, or nuclear family exists in known societies. The family has been subjected to enormous pressures as human cultures have changed from a rural to an urbanized, industrial orientation. These changes have altered the aspirations of "family", but have not greatly diminished the desire for entering into intimate relationships. All modern family units do not include children, although it is still the norm. Read more about the family unit and how we can our children and changing times impact the family unit.