Oliver,
Something the UN seems to have managed is its consensus on family:
· The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state;
· Various concepts of the family exist in different social, cultural, and political systems, but it is recognized that families are basic to the social structure and development of all societies. It is also recognized that families around the world exhibit many common problems.
· Gender equality, women's equal participation in employment, and shared parental responsibilities are essential elements of modern family policy;
· Families are the fullest reflection, at the grass-roots level, of the strengths and weaknesses of the social and developmental environment; and
· Families, as basic units of social life, are major agents of sustainable development at all levels of society, and their contribution is crucial for its success.

I might add, there appears an intrinsic human need at inception for nurture. The first few years are pivotal as to the shape of our remaining lives – it would seem, our personality, outlook and value structure are near set in concrete by the age of around seven. Disentangle the family and you generally make a huge mess of society – poorly developed (insecure) adults result – with expensive, expansive and often ineffective social programs treating a symptom.

Our larger model? Guess there can’t be one unless we get the family (fundamental group) right – but yeah! The family is only a means to an end.

Hi Relda,

Thank you for your considered reply. I will print it off and think it through.

With regard to the larger model, I am influenced by Harry Triandis... ecology > culture > personality. Herein, the family as well as the individual interfaces many conditioning influences.

Of course the family is pivotal. In this farame, it amuses me how Lee Yuan Yew [I have lived in Asia for eight years] feels Westerners lack family values - I don't think so. We might be less patrimonial, but the family remains important. Family in this context, though, I feel is different to familialism (S. Gordon Redding, Robert Silin.

Moreover, I suspect that pioneers like Margaret Mead would have seen the extended group directly influencing the family, and via another route reinforcing the family's values, when it comes to the individual, born tabla rosa.

Kevin,

If you are interested in Western civilization vis~a~vis other civilizations, Caroll Quigley (c. 1960s)is an intersting author. Huntington of "Clash of Civilizations" fame cites him extensively. Quigley's work is more studied than Huntingon's contribution. [Different audience, I guess.]

Kevin,

Almost made 100. But I think attention wanes when there is a new kid (article) on the block. :-)

O.

Hi Oliver,

Thanks very much for that. In relation to Western Civilisation, the PM gave a very strong speech at the Quadrant Dinner last night. It's covered in today's OZ.

Best wishes,
Kevin

Hello Kevin,

Thanks. I am offshore, but will look-up the PM's speech.

Take care.

Kind regards,

O.