Is the current economic crisis destroying the structure of the American family?
Throughout the history of America, the family as a social system has served as a primary unit for meeting the basic needs for love, acceptance, approval, warmth, security, protection, and spiritual guidance. As one of the most basic institutions of a democracy, the family must continue to function as:
- A social environment for the loving and nurturing bond of family relationships, where children first learn how to love and be loved.
- An environment where children learn the difference between right and wrong, and how to get along with others
- An environment where children develop a sense of personal identity-emotionally, psychologically, socially, physically and spiritually.
It is within the family structure that most individuals develop a sense of a self-identity. The family is the foundation of true democracy and continues to be one of the best institutions for producing responsible and productive citizens. (more…)
