top of page
Writer's pictureJason Livy

Restoring Balance Amidst the Fast Paced Society: A Call for the Village Mentality

Updated: Sep 21, 2023

Disclaimer:

We would like to disclose that we participate in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. When you click on certain links on our website, there is a possibility that we may earn a commission from any resulting purchases.


In today's rapidly changing world, the challenges one needs to grapple with have drastically evolved too. From the Baby Boomers' relatively serene times to the constant pressures experienced by the current workforce, it's evident that society's pace has quickened. Our digital realities are compelling us to keep up with this relentless pace, arguably leading to a potential disruption in our quality of life.


One significant concern arising from these changes is the transformation of the traditional family setup. A sizeable portion of the population now works overtime or even holds multiple jobs to maintain a secure life, leaving a limited scope for quality time with the family. The narrative of 'home' has hence seen a shift from nurturing familial bonds to an occasional rest stop between intensive work schedules. https://amzn.to/3Ltr3RX (Amazon)


For example, the Pew Research Center's data asserts that dual income households constitute about 60% of all U.S families, indicating a stark change from the Baby Boomer and early Gen X generations where single-income households were the norm. This evolution has significant social implications that we may need to preemptively address.


The continuous chipping away of family time has an important cultural consequence – the deterioration of the 'village mentality' or the community framework where everyone was party to raising a child. This was a time when not only parents but also teachers, neighbors, friends' parents, and law enforcement officers had a role to play in child upbringing. One might argue that this sort of extended accountability instilled in children a deep-rooted respect for authority, the elderly, and the society at large.

Modern societal norms echo a change in this perspective. The refrain, "Don't touch my kid," is getting louder and prevalent, raising questions about whether we have strayed from our collectivist approach to a more individualistic one. This transition is perhaps reflected in the rising classroom incidents of disrespect and violent outbursts among students, which suggests a potential correlation with the simplicity of family life.


Another pertinent concern is the burgeoning crime rates. There is considerable debate on whether the dissolution of the 'village ethos' could be a contributing factor to this. Some studies suggest that the feelings of isolation and lack of community support could factor into delinquency, violating social norms and rebelling against authority figures.


So, is it time to press the pause button and take a hard look at where we're heading as a society? Perhaps, a return to more familial-focused values and the 'village mentality' is desirable. Switching off your devices for a quiet dinner with family, attending neighborhood block parties, and openly communicating with teachers and local law enforcement could be the start of reclaiming the familial and community intimacy that fosters respect, understanding, and discipline. https://amzn.to/45TB6YC (Amazon)


In conclusion, the accelerating pace of our lives and the disconnect it serves us warrants a thorough reassessment of what we consider essential. While economic stability is undeniable crucial, nurturing our relationships within our families and our community stands unequivocally vital too. Reinstating the adage "It takes a village to raise a child" might be what we need to restore balance and strengthen the social fabric once again.


Thank you for reading this article. Please feel free to share your thoughts below. Let’s foster a community that shares and grows together at Hydra Club.

27 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page