Refusal of family possibilities

The amount and direction of change in this period of history is putting tremendous strain on the family and its members. So much so that the creative role of the family in society and in caring for its members is refused by even those most involved in family life. The family is the source of everyone's relationship to society. Even those institutionalized at birth are increasingly raised in "family substitute" situations. The family is the place where care for the next generation largely takes place. These and the other functions of family life is treated as though it were optional. As a result life styles within the family are reduced, economic considerations often controls decision making, and youth are unprepared to function effectively in society.