Connected Quote by Kenneth Arrow
“Family is a difficult matter. I must admit I do not know that the state can intervene successfully in a family. It's a fact that everything is connected with the individualist temperament, the kind of economic environment which stresses the individual, but this is not directly the result of a state policy, nor do I see any good way by which the state could intervene except in some marginal ways.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Social Choice and Individual Values by Kenneth Arrow, 1951
State intervention in families is limited; individualism and economy shape outcomes more than policy.
In simple terms: Governments can only marginally affect family dynamics.
Key Takeaway
Focus on community support rather than heavy regulation.
Themes
family
state role
individualism
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
policy
When to use this quote
- welfare programs
- education reforms
- healthcare access
Key Concepts
political economy
social policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policy respect individual autonomy?
- What non‑governmental ways support families?
A Different Perspective
State actions may clash with personal freedoms.
![“[T]he mass-man sees in the State an anonymous power, and feeling himself, like it, anonymous, he believes that the State is something of his own. Suppose that in the public life of a country some difficulty, conflict, or problem presents itself, the mass-man will tend to demand that the State…” quote by Jose Ortega y Gasset](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29f/jose-ortega-y-gasset-1688_absorption_t-he-mass-man-sees-in-the-state-an-anony_414993.jpg)
![“[Phoebe Broome] 'Well,' she said at last. 'You've now met my father. At his worst.' [Lord Vladimir] 'Being myself widely considered my family's most difficult member, I would not presume to comment.' 'That is... gentlemanly of you.” quote by Alison Sinclair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c17/alison-sinclair-75635_black-sheep_phoebe-broome-well-she-said-at-last-you_1399420.jpg)
