Introduced by Elizabeth Beck-Gernsheim in 1998, it refers to a society in which the traditional family is no longer the central organising feature. The traditional norms and values that defined the family and held it together have given way to a variety of family forms which, rather than being close-knit units held together by common values, are more groups of individuals who prioritise individual success and greater personal fulfilment over traditional kinship bonds and obligations. This is reflected in the decline of marriage, and the increasing trends of ‘singleness’, chosen childlessness, or one-child families.
Many agree that these changes will not be reversed, and societies will have to accept a lower birth rate and an ageing demographic profile with fewer workers supporting a greater number of older people. Without traditional kinship networks to support them, people will increasingly rely on the state to provide in times of need or crisis, especially in old age. One argument is that many will turn to rightwing politics to provide some kind of ‘tribal solidarity’ for those with fewer family bonds.
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