The role of family in the internet age

Bald eagles, which mate for life and raise their young together, are among the very few animal species with some form of family structure. Human intellectual abilities make a social and family structure with inter-generational consequences possible, which plays a vital role in preserving culture, behavioral patterns, and even social stability. In hierarchic societies, families were the bastions of safety and security, the means to hold onto power, position, and wealth. It was the life insurance policy for the middle class and the poor. The family could be a tool to increase social influence and spread political power (kleptocracy). 

In families, not only money but occupation and titles were handed down. The family could cushion the individual from natural and social dangers, hooligans, bandits, and local rulers. Like creating walls in the ocean, inherited money and nepotic influence often extinguish creative energy, originality's spark, and lead to mediocre comfort. Since in difficult times, the family provided security, it needed to be beyond criticism. Individual problems had to be hidden from the outside, and nonconforming members need to be shunned and disgraced. The large role of the family significantly restricted personal freedom. 

In democratic societies, the economic role of the family has decreased. The societal safety net provides pension, health, and end-of-life care to the elderly on a level unmatched by family care. Instead of being handed down, occupations are becoming the expression of individual talents and creative mental potential. Young people do not expect nepotism and family connections to help them. They chart their own path, far from their hometown.

As connections and inherited finances will play a less important role in individual success, the family's institutional role will undoubtedly continue to decline. When the family is not a source of financial security or societal position, covering up weaknesses and deficiencies is no longer necessary; the family can open up to become safe islands of nurture and love. The love and caring within the family that flows out into the community lifts up everyone. 

Trust in the social environment and future allows some intellectual billionaires, such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and others, to give away their wealth. If everybody feels supported by our social institutions, then medical and technological progress are only limited by our imagination.

Picture credit: Talento Tec 

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