Ills of the Nuclear Family

The nuclear family is a very recent development and a comparatively isolated model of child rearing. The rise in single parent households, lessened extended family involvement, and increased mobility have compounded this deficiency, leading to some unfortunate consequences. This post examines the shortcomings of the stereotypical nuclear family paradigm, as that is overwhelmingly what is held up as desirable in this country. Note I am not asserting that family structure alone is responsible for the following issues, merely that it is often a contributing factor. Of course in practice there are an almost unlimited number of variations on the nuclear family ideal, but delving into them all would be a massive undertaking. Similarly, I will not attempt to suggest possible remedies, nor explore how existing structures might, and often do, mitigate some of the limitations. Those will be possible subjects for the future.

• Crowded childbearing window: The best years for bearing children are also critical ones for obtaining an education and beginning a career. The demanding nuclear family system makes balancing these three difficult and has contributed to the drastic increase in maternal age and associated health problems, as well as declining birth rates amongst the better educated. The fact that having a child in your teens is such a huge barrier to success when biologically it is an entirely suitable time frame highlights the current disconnect.
   

• Identity loss:
  At the moment it can be hard, especially for women, to both have a family and achieve. Many adults are forced to abandon much of their own pursuits and ability to make new social contacts, which can result in feelings of isolation and frustration. Even when their children are grown, the effects are still felt, such as the popularized "empty nest syndrome" and lost opportunities generally. By sharing the burden of child rearing, these issues could be lessened.
   

• Little diversification of parental failings: Children are exposed a great deal to the flaws of their parents. Greater care redundancy softens the impact of personality disorders, income inequality, and more reliably brings neglect or abuse to light. This is the same principle behind the common practice of diversification when investing, so that a single bad stock won't ruin your portfolio.
   
• Personality conflicts:
  Our media drives us to expect an almost magical closeness with our progeny. If that fails to materialize, disappointment and parental attempts to foist unreasonable expectations on their children can occur. Significant exposure to a greater number of adults would allow them more opportunity to find those they have things in common with. It would also help diminish the practice of infantilizing young adults.
  
• Reduced stability:
  
  The narrow scope of the modern family unit exaggerates issues surrounding parental rights, divorce (or marriage for that matter), death of a parent, or adoption. A broader base would ensure greater continuity, softening the impacts of these disruptions.
• Inefficiency:
  The nuclear family often neglects gains that can be made through economies of scale, increasing use of resources and labor. Housing costs, electricity, transportation, child care, cleaning, maintenance, food (both purchasing cost and effort of preparation), and clothing are some areas affected, with young parents being the most impacted. Health care also bears mentioning, as our employer based models currently focus on the nuclear family as their basic unit of coverage. Some of this waste is also impacted by our cultural trend towards sole ownership of items even if they are infrequently used; a practice reinforced by the isolated model the nuclear family ideal espouses.
   
• Marginalization of the elderly: The mobile nature of individuals today can often result in parents being isolated later in life if their children relocate. A less punishing, more interconnected system would allow more personal development during parenthood as well as providing more opportunities for cross generational bonds (not necessarily just with relatives) to be made. The simultaneous problems of marginalized seniors and a lack of affordable day care are especially telling.