The extended family has to some significant degree, outlived its usefulness. We don't rely on our families for childcare as much anymore. Mobility has meant that many people live far from their families now. Some families are more structurally embedded in the larger society.
If you’re frustrated with your family, should you cut ties with them? Who’s more likely to break with relatives over politics, liberals or conservatives? And what would it take for Stephen to buy a baby elephant?