Social Security

Recently watched the movie "Daughter from DaNang." This movie very well portrays the clash of lifestyles between the extended family, where all activities are moderated through the opinion of generations of relatives, and the American nuclear family, where each household is a kingdom in isolation.

But the greatest revelation to me was the earnest difference in thinking brought about by the invention of social security and pension plans. The American is shocked to be asked to help take care of the elder (FINANCIALLY, no less ?!) Before social security and pension plans, obligation to elders was standard fare. Now, it's every person for themselves (and work towards retirement, if you don't die first).

Families have varying degrees of this sentiment. Some pay for childrens college, even through advanced graduate degrees, some make children work for it. Some can't afford any of that. And when the government creates programs, it unquestionably alters the family balance. No family would obligate themselves for what the government might provide for free (or, that's why I paid taxes). There is a fine balance between the joy of independence (or the loneliness of isolation) and the excessive burdens of obligation to family/others.

The government would have us sink our retirement funds into the stock market with no guarantees, rather than investing in local businesses and people we know (still, with no guarantees). For the families without means, or families split apart, there is no security, other than that provided by the government. Certainly a mark of civilized society is to prevent starvation and large scale death from the elements, but drawing the line on social benefits is moving target.

In some respects, ones philosophy towards this falls into religion. Some who call themselves Christian seem to favor suffering masses and competition to the point of taking advantage of others (in order to teach them a lesson?) even within the family. Certainly the attitude towards how one raises ones children (and their education) would be considered a personal religious prerogative, but there are extreme differences even within religious congregations. This is an arena where the State relies on religious sentiments, and the religions are fairly vague. In the US, attitudes seem to be tied primarily to socioeconomic status more than anything.