The larger, far more important point is that in a society as individualistic as ours, it's especially important to protect and nurture the countervailing institutions. It's so easy for the powerful force of individualism to wash over and transform institutions - like family, religion and the military - that are supposed to be based on self-sacrifice, loyalty and love.
Curiously the place where "family values" are the strongest are in the "backward" cultures of the middle east. Here, the lines of responsibility are still clear cut. Women do women's work and men do men's work. This "backwardness" has characterized the human family probably for millions of years.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF A FAMILY WAS FOR THE DIVISION OF LABOR TO FACILITATE PROCREATION AND MUTUAL SURVIVAL.
Once women were "liberated" the need for this division of labor was blurred.... The "need" for a family was even questioned.
In rural times, families prospered or failed based on the number of working children they could produce. A farm family with five sons was in a better position, than a farmer with all daughters, at least until they were married off to sons-in-law.
Now for middle class people "having kids" is a life sentence of high costs and responsibilities, with little pay off at the end......except having "done your duty."
Hard times are good for family values!
If the Republicans Social Security plans are enacted, "having kids" may be the only form of Social Security left!
Welcome back to "Walton's Mountain" ....three generations living under one roof....!
Just like in the "good old days" of Herbert Hoover.....before the New Deal and FDR!
