The advent of the Chinese New Year today, like the first day of the new year for the other communities of Singapore, affirms one of the core values of this nation: that the family is the bedrock of society and of social policy. There are countries where individualism is viewed as the irreducible index of personal freedom, with state welfarism taking the place of the family for responsibility for children, the aged and the unemployed. Together, individualism and welfarism rob the family of its traditional centrality. Unlike those social systems, Singapore straddles the middle ground in which the family enjoys the customary loyalty of adults and serves as the primary source of socialisation for children.

ADS by Cloud 9:

– SPACE RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

.

That nexus between the generations is supported by the concrete initiatives of a family-friendly state. The Government steps in when familial bonds fail, or are unable, to care for the disadvantaged, such as children in poor or dysfunctional families or the aged with adult children with families of their own. However, till then, the expectation is that families will look after themselves because that is only natural. Biological bonds and inherited traditions create habits of the heart that are capable of withstanding change and even calamity. What is remarkable is how the family structure survives extreme strains such as famines and pandemics. This is evident throughout history, which is why the family is one of the most resilient of historical institutions and a cherished cultural resource. Just as any system is only as strong as its weakest link, it is moments of crisis that test the concept of the family.

<

ADS by Cloud 9:

– SPACE RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

.

THE EDITOR

All photographs, news, editorials, opinions, information, data, others have been taken from the Internet ..aseanews.net | [email protected]