> I think it's valuable to think about this problem from an evolutionary perspective. Almost every problem we have can be viewed this way. Spot on. I was an A

> I think it's valuable to think about this problem from an evolutionary perspective. Almost every problem we have can be viewed this way. Spot on. I was an Anthropology major in college, and this is the single most important takeaway from my education. Even a few decades ago, families often at least lived with or close to the elder generation (grandparents) which created a greater sense of community and history. At some point it was decided that elder persons should live by themselves, or they were not welcome in their adult children' homes (or there was no room for them there.) I think what you say about tribes is interesting -- I think people tend to create their own "tribes" either with friends, workmates, hobbies that are communal etc.