Skip to content

Control Quote by Steven Pinker

“Another surprising consequence of kin solidarity is that the family is a subversive organization. That conclusion flies in the face of the right-wing view that the church and the state have always been steadfast upholders of the family and of the left-wing view that the family is a bourgeois…” quote by Steven Pinker
Download Open image
““Another surprising consequence of kin solidarity is that the family is a subversive organization. That conclusion flies in the face of the right-wing view that the church and the state have always been steadfast upholders of the family and of the left-wing view that the family is a bourgeois, patriarchal institution designed to suppress women, weaken class solidarity, and manufacture docile consumers. The jounalist Ferdinand Mount has documented how ever political and religious movement in history has sought to undermine the family. The reasons are obvious. Not only is the family a rival coalition competing for a person’s loyalties, but it is a rival with an unfair advantage: relatives innately care for one another more than comrades do. They bestow nepotistic benefits, forgive the daily frictions that strain other organizations, and stop at nothing to avenge wrongs against a member. Leninism, Nazism, and other totalitarian ideologies always demand a new loyalty “higher” than, and contrary to, family ties. So have religions from early Christianity to the Moonies””

Steven Pinker

About This Quote

Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, 2011

Family ties create strong loyalties that can challenge political ideologies, making families a subversive force against state and religious authority.

In simple terms: Family loyalty can oppose politics.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and balance family influence in political analysis.

Themes

politics family loyalty ideology social structure

Mood

critical analytical thoughtful

Type

sociopolitical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political campaigns
  • social movements
  • policy debates
  • family counseling

Key Concepts

nepotism cohesion competition state control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do families shape political identities?
  • Can loyalty to family be reconced with civic responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Family loyalty may conflict with broader civic duties.

4.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Steven Pinker

Explore all 495 Steven Pinker quotes

More Control quotes

Browse all 6,032 Control quotes