The Myth of Family

After its Collapse

Abstract

Interdisciplinary survey on family has been proven to fail in the universal definition of family. The modern myth of “family,” based on the conjugal bond and affection, child-centeredness and maternal love, limited in the nuclear household, has been historicized. Sociological investigation problematizes this question as to how and why such “family myth” was constructed and by whom and for whom. Feminist analysis of family has proven this family myth as false both theoretically and empirically. Theoretically, public⁄ private dichotomy, which serves as a logical base for the family myth, is inconsistent and therefore invalid. Empirically, this family myth can not be supported with the empirical evidence in many cases. Yet, when the myth of family as a basic site of freedom and recognition is still maintained after its collapse, we must question why it is supported even as a wish. Since family is experienced as a fatal bond by most people, if we can translate a fate to a choice, it could be experienced as freedom. However, it can hardly be the case in reality.