back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 22255

[from 'Capitalism and Community' by David Conway, in 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 11. Capitalism ]

Full Idea

It is said that capitalism encourages the breakup of extended families, which creates the need for extensive state welfare for those indigent members of society who can no longer rely on their own family to take care of them.

Gist of Idea

Capitalism breaks up extended families, and must then provide welfare for the lonely people

Source

David Conway (Capitalism and Community [1996], V)

Book Reference

'The Communitarian Challenge to Liberalism', ed/tr. Paul,E., Miller,F. /Paul,J. [CUP 1996], p.149


A Reaction

Conway does not accept this claim. It seems to simplistic to say that capitalism is the sole culprit. Any rise of mechanisation in agriculture would break up rural extended families.

Related Ideas

Idea 22256 Capitalism prefers representative democracy, which avoids community decision-making [Conway,D]

Idea 22257 Capitalism is anti-community, by only valuing individuals, and breaking up families [Conway,D]