Part of the American Dream is the idea that every family can live in there own dwelling, even an individual house. A side effect of this phenomenon is that families are individual units: husband, wife, children. So now, unfortunately, in modern society, a wife is expected to be her husband’s lover, mother of his children, best friend, confidant, cheerleader, housecleaner, teacher, nurse, nanny, cook, and even work a job to contribute to the family’s finances. There are some women able to pull off this superhuman effort but most need help. As for the man, his duties are centered around providing for his family but middle class jobs are declining rapidly, making it impossible to do as well as his parents or even his grandparents.

In the past, three generations living together in the same dwelling was common, even a preferred solution. Grandparents can provide childcare, and receive elder care, and the house can pass to the next generation. This arrangement is even better at larger scales. There’s a lot of truth to the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child.” There are many women to share chores and babysit. There are many men to protect the virtue of young females, including courtship rituals, and culture, customs & traditions that guide youth into adulthood. The Amish are an example, and according to supposed happiness indicators, their people are far more satisfied with their lives than their contemporaries. It’s probably not the modern conveniences that cause dissatisfaction in society, instead it’s the resources and support of the clan providing a sturdy foundation for maturity & growth.