The question of the family now divides our society so deeply that the opposing sides cannot even agree on a definition of the institution they are arguing about.
This quote highlights the complexity of the family institution in modern society, where differing perspectives on its definition and purpose have created deep divisions.
The quote suggests that the family is a highly contested concept, with various groups holding fundamentally different views on its nature and function.
The quote was written by Christopher Lasch in the 1970s, a time when the traditional family structure was undergoing significant changes due to social and cultural shifts.
Christopher Lasch was an American historian and social critic who wrote extensively on the impact of modernity on family and society.
Understanding the complexities of the family institution can inform policies and programs aimed at supporting and strengthening family relationships.
Some critics argue that Lasch's views on the family were overly pessimistic and failed to account for the resilience and adaptability of families in the face of change.