The value of family is degrading in America, and this is a Bad thing

value: [mass noun] the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. The value of family is everlasting, and despite the fact we have seen a change in the way families spend their time together, does not mean the overall importance and worth of family is degrading. I would like to prove two things today. Firstly, that the value of family is not degrading, and secondly, that even if it was (hypothetical) it would not be a bad thing. Aristotle once said that a resilient middle class is the salvation of society. This does not mean the family is the salvation of the middle class, as the opposition supposed. Society, refers to a whole community, not simply one family. A community can involve anyone from friends, to family, to school teachers, or to bosses. So maybe, the salvation of the middle class is our communities. Why is this relevant? Because we rely on many people to develop fully and 'mature', and despite our family being a major influence on us, they are not the only influence, but i will come back to this^ later. Family values remain strong in modern society. Just because the way families spend their time together has evolved, does not mean family values have been thrown out the window. Many families may no longer sit at the table for dinner: they may instead watch a recent episode of the 'Walking Dead' or 'Doctor Who', but families are still maintaining strong relationships with each other. I have not witnessed the outbreak of a rogue generation nonetheless? Children are still being taught manners, weather it be by their Dad, or by their school teacher. And importantly, strong respect is still shown towards parents. There will always be some children that grow up, and leave their parents in an 'Old Folks Home', but likewise there will be 60% or so of the children that grow up, and look after their parents. Furthermore, the children who grow up and leave their parents in a nursing home will most likely still care for their parents, and visit them regularly. There is a reason these homes exist! Not for unkind, ill-mannered children to dump their parents, but because it can be very difficult to care for the elderly. Most children respect their parents, it is purely natural variation that some don't, due to unfortunate circumstances. This variable will not change. Now, moving on to the second part of the argument, and of the debate. Let's suppose the value of family was degrading, I still do not believe this is a bad thing. As i mentioned earlier (i used the oppositions Aristotle quote), society is community. If the value of family was degrading, children can rely on their friends, and on other social structures to aid them. If a child fights with his family, who does he turn to? His friends, the people he can rely on if something happens. Maybe it's his 5th grade school teacher who he knows he can talk to? For that 16 year old girl it could be a work colleague? People do not rely on their family alone, but on several important social structures. If one of these structures fails, the others come into action, much like a metaphorical safety net. Because most of these people who have disputes with their family will end up either forgiving their parents (most likely), or moving on. In America, moral values and the values of the family are not changing, and this is not a bad thing.