Introduction Family refers to a group of people affiliated by blood kingship, attraction or shared residence. A family forms the basic institution for socialization of children. A nuclear family comprises a father, mother and the children. If family members from either or both of the parents reside together with the family, then it becomes an extended family. The principal functions of family are procreation, love, care and economic production. Different types of families exist in an extensive range of backgrounds. The purpose and significance of a family depends on how they relate with supplementary societal institutions. Different societies show evidence of variance in the composition and notion of a family. Contemporary society views family as a place of protection growing from the world to provide completion. Family plays a crucial role in influencing the individuality and gender identity of a child when they enter into the world. There are differences between family composition and notion in the United States and Saudi Arabia such as choosing a partner, polygamy, and the size of family. Choosing a Partner In marriage, choosing a partner is a very central step. Cultural beliefs consider marriage a family and communal practice rather than an individual one (Barakat par 1). Saudi Arabia is an Islamic dominated nation and marriage patterns align to the religion. Arranged marriages dominate the patterns of union in Saudi Arabia. However, the concept of a marriage partner being a personal choice and out of love is slowly becoming a precondition among youthful Arabs joining marriage life. Parents are supposed to ask for permission from their daughter before presenting her in nuptials (Barakat par 3). This does not mean that the girl’s parents will conform to her wishes. Traditionally, a girl is supposed to leave the parents to decide everything for her because they know what she deserves. Girls always face the dilemma of opting to accept their parent’s choice or making their own (Barakat par 4). In America, the situation is slightly different. Christianity is the dominant religion and most patterns of union follow the doctrines of Christianity. The choice of a marriage partner is the responsibility of those getting married. However, the parents must give their blessings to those being married as a sign of acceptance to the choice made. Choosing the person to marry should not base on finances, peer pressure or trying to mend a mistake like unwanted pregnancy. A relationship before marriage is usually encouraged to help those planning for marriage to familiarize with each other. Polygamy Polygamy refers to nuptials that comprise more than two partners. It involves one party in a marriage having more than one spouse at a time. Both Christianity and Islam address the issue of in a clear manner by providing permissible rations and restrains that dampen the practice (Badawi par 2). Polygamy is not a prohibition because it provides an alternative to divorce in certain situations encountered by persons and the population (Badawi par 3). Christianity is not against polygamy as there is no verse contained in the New Testament prohibiting the practice. The New Testament considers monogamy as the ordinary form of matrimony and only prohibits polygamy in the fold of a bishop and a deacon (Badawi par 13). The fact that Abraham the father of religion had two wives indicates the Christianity stand on polygamy. On the other hand, Islamic religion