Question

Why might economic and emotional security be the most important function of the family in modern societies?

Answer 1

Being economically secure can aid emotional security. A person struggling economically may tend to be more stressed and anxious due to worry about money, bills, etc. Family wise, kids and spouses would also mirror the same stressed and negative emotions of the person going through financial/economic struggle. Kids of a poor couple would have to also be aware of the money problems at home, which might make them stressed at a young age, and might affect them emotionally if they aren't able to buy the newest clothes, the coolest toys, or anything that they cant have the luxury of owning due to money problems. Being economically secure obviously would prevent a person and their family from going through that stress, which, since money is basically crucial to survival, tends to be a main focus, gives them more time to worry about other emotional issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

hope this makes sense lol

Answer 2

It's due to a combination of factors which include the material and verbal support functions which have been proven to work in guiding human behavior. Emotional support came 'naturally' in many ways in the past. Extended family often lived together or near to each other, so support flowed freely from this. These days, people are more mobile and families are often spread out over the country or overseas and so the bonds are not present. Further, I think there is a real move towards individualism and a breakdown in community generally. Economic security was definitely more important in the pre-industrial era where an economic exchange was a well established social contract. That is not entirely absent in modern society, but with equality across the genders, it leads to less dependency on the family unit. However, having a joint account with ones spouse will lead to longer term wealth and higher household income.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on psychology, history, and available US government statistics.