The Demise of the Family Village In 2024: Understanding Why The Traditional Support System for Raising Children is Fading Away
In this post, “The Demise of the Family Village In 2024,” I discuss reasons why the traditional concept of a “village” for raising children no longer exists.
If you’re a millennial mom, you may notice a difference in the way you were raised. Better yet, how you are raising your own kids.
As a millennial myself, born in 1992 and having 2 children, things are different from when I was growing up. There is little to no “village” for raising kids in 2024. Which I conclude to changing social structures, technological advancements, economic pressures, cultural shifts, and misaligned parenting views from previous generations.
Let’s explore each of these topics and discuss how they have affected the demise of the family village in 2024.
Changing Social Structures
When I was growing up, my grandmother and aunt lived in the same house as me. My husband also grew up with his grandmother in the house. We knew all of our neighbors on a first-name basis, and everyone just knew each other.
The shift in America towards individualism and urbanization has led to a decline in communities. Families used to rely on neighbors and family members for support in raising children.
This created a sense of interconnection and community, with shared responsibility. However, there has been an emphasis on personal autonomy which has shredded these traditional support systems.
As individuals prioritize their own needs, families become more isolated in urban settings. With the sense of community and collective child-rearing practices diminishing. This shift highlights the challenges of maintaining strong community connections in an increasingly individualistic society.
If you’re a mom, do you know almost all the neighbors on your block? Do you know your next-door neighbors by first and last name? Have you regularly been inside their homes, and vice versa?
In modern times like today, people are more isolated and less connected to their immediate community. The TIMES wrote an amazing article about how America has put individualism at its forefront, and the challenges it faces.
The Rise of Technology Leads to the Fall of the Family Village
If you’re a millennial, you probably remember a childhood where smart phones and tablets did not exist in your childhood. Sure, we had movies on often and if you were lucky you had those portable tv’s for the car. However, technology and the internet was not prevelant until I reached middle school.
This meant my siblings and I spent a lot of time playing outside. Even so, our parents and caregivers were more engaged because there were fewer distractions from smartphones. I’ll even admit, I am pretty addicted to my smartphone, as I’m sure a lot of you are, too.
The rise of technology and digital communication has revolutionized the way families interact and spend time with each other. This creates opportunities but also challenges.
The use of smartphones, social media, and digital entertainment has made it easier for family members to stay connected virtually. Even regardless of physical distance.
Video calls, messaging apps, and social media networks allow people to communicate constantly, and bridge gaps across the world.
However, this digital connection comes with drawbacks. The constant presence of screens can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions within the family unit. Family members may find themselves hovered over their devices, sacrificing quality time together.
The abundance of online distractions can fragment family bonding experiences and detract from meaningful conversations. I have been guilty of this. Checking my phone or scrolling social media mindlessly while I sit with my toddler as they eat lunch.
Finding a balance between technology and human experiences is crucial in preserving the essence of family relationships in the digital age.
Here is a great article on how technology affects family dynamics and social development.
Financial Strain and Economic Pressures
Financial strains and the necessity of dual-income households have created a challenging dynamic for parents striving to build a supportive community.
In today’s economy, the rising cost of living expenses associated with raising a family often requires both parents to work. This reality leaves little time and energy in community activities, forming connections with neighbors, or participating in support networks.
The pressure to juggle work responsibilities, manage household duties, and meet financial obligations can overshadow the importance of community involvement.
The focus on career advancement and financial stability frequently takes precedence over nurturing a village-like environment for raising children.
The struggle to balance professional demands with family commitments can leave parents feeling isolated and overwhelmed. This further hinders their ability to cultivate a strong support system within their community.
Here is a great article about inflation and the high cost of living in today’s society.
Cultural Shifts: a Large Role in The Demise of the Village
Changing cultural norms and values also play a role in the demise of the family unit and the erosion of support systems. A growing emphasis on personal success and individual achievement has reshaped the priorities of many families. This places a strong focus on career advancement, material wealth, and personal fulfillment.
By doing this, the collective sense of shared responsibility and communal support that once characterized family relationships has diminished.
The nuclear family structure, centered around parents and their children, has become the primary focus. This often isolates families from the extended community network that provides additional support and guidance.
The cultural shift towards valuing personal achievements over collective well-being has further isolated families. Thus hindering the development of strong community bonds, and contributing to the fragmentation of the family unit in modern society.
Misaligned Parenting Views From Previous Generations
This generation has diverged from the previous generations in terms of parenting practices, driven by a significant shift in the availability of information and awareness of various issues.
The vast knowledge accessible on the internet has empowered modern parents with a wealth of information on child upbringing. Including health concerns and safety that were not readily available to previous generations.
You may have encountered family members saying, “I raised kids, and they turned out fine!” Did they turn out fine? Do these adults now suffer from chronic illnesses, depression, health concerns, and other issues that might have been avoided if the same information was available to parents as it is today?
Do these same people who turned out fine have to unlearn toxic traits they learned from their parents, and so on? Did the food we constantly eat as children that contains harmful dyes and chemicals show up later in our systems?
Our parents were doing the best they could with the information they had at the time. As society and technology grow, parenting styles have evolved to incorporate a more informed and cautious approach. This is guided by a deeper understanding of potential dangers and risks.
Modern parents are increasingly conscious of the dangers lurking in our food supply, such as harmful additives, pesticides, and genetically modified ingredients.
The ease of access to research, articles, and expert opinions on the internet has heightened concerns about the quality and safety of the food consumed by our children.
The disparity in knowledge and awareness has led to differing perspectives on parenting approaches. The evolving landscape of parenting practices reflects a broader societal shift towards greater mindfulness and vigilance in ensuring the well-being of the next generation.
Conclusion to The Demise of the Family Village In 2024
The shift towards individualism, the influence of technology, economic and societal pressures, cultural shifts and misaligned views from previous generations have collectively diminished the traditional support systems that once thrived within communities.
As we navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, it is essential to recognize the value of fostering strong community connections. We must support one another, and reimagine the concept of the village for raising children.
By embracing collaboration, empathy, and a shared sense of responsibility, we can work towards revitalizing the spirit of community and creating a nurturing environment. A place where families can thrive and children can flourish. I hope you enjoyed this blog post, The Demise of the Family Village In 2024.
You might also like:
• 2 Under 2: Surviving the First Year
• 25 Moms Reveal Their Most Powerful Motherhood Lessons
You were spot on. This shift is both a blessing and curse. We have lost that village mindset and we are also more consciously aware of healthier parenting practices. Technology is a distraction and it helps us stay connected with family who may be far away.
Yes! I feel like in some ways we have progressed so much, but at the same time lost all connection and support from one another.
I agree with some of these things but we have a really great neighborhood where we look after each others kids! I still feel like we have a village
that’s amazing! Where I live, it’s mostly empty nesters. Our neighbors told me when their kids were small they all had each other’s kids at their houses, but most of their kids are in college now. My neighborhood was the same when I was growing up, everyone was always together.