> because many of the functions that used to be performed by the family and community are now performed by businesses. I could see that being true. Do you mean

> because many of the functions that used to be performed by the family and community are now performed by businesses. I could see that being true. Do you mean businesses like Facebook and Twitter with their substitution for socializing? I fully agree with the rest of your post. If you're interested in the subject, I would suggest reading Robert Putnam's research on Social Capital. Bowling Alone is a good synthesis (but I'd personally pass on his other books, which lean more toward polemics).