--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Another surprising consequence of kin…" description: "\"“Another surprising consequence of kin solidarity is that the family is a subversive organization. That conclusion flies in the face of the right-wing ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df2/steven-pinker-526_control_another-surprising-consequence-of-kin-so_1472867.jpg" --- # Another surprising consequence of kin solidarity is that… ![“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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df2/steven-pinker-526_control_another-surprising-consequence-of-kin-so_1472867.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df2/steven-pinker-526_control_another-surprising-consequence-of-kin-so_1472867.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df2/steven-pinker-526_control_another-surprising-consequence-of-kin-so_1472867.jpg) > ““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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-pinker/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Control](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/control/) [Family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family/) [Family Subversive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family-subversive-2786936/) [Family ties](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family-ties/) [Kin Solidarity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kin-solidarity-5348979/) [Loyalty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loyalty/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Solidarity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/solidarity/) [Solidarity Family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/solidarity-family-5085389/) [Undermine Family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/undermine-family-5189869/) [Unfair advantage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unfair-advantage/) ## Related quotes > [ The care of children ..is infinitely better left to the best trained practitioners of both sexes who have chosen it as a vocation...\[This\] would… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-millett/the-care-of-children-is-infinitely-better-left-to-the-best-trained/) [Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-millett/) > [“The family as subversive of true socialistic and communal unity is to be annihilated.” Yes, President, I agree completely with Article 5. 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