However, the data is in, and there is no doubt that children are best served by traditional two parent families. He spoke about the prominence of the family in global concerns and the development of our global discourse on family life and action that supports families. The third keynote presentation was given by Jerry Pournelle, a science fiction writer and computer columnist with a great interest in the future of society. In order to reverse these trends, we must reverse the thrust of a whole century. He was hopeful that the computer and information revolutions would allow the decentralization of society and the chance for people to work more at home and spend more time with their families.
Societies based on immediate gratification have little use for children.
The presenters examined modernizing and global trends affecting the family in their respective cultural spheres and how their cultures could adapt to meet the challenges of the present world. This panel, on the whole, was somewhat optimistic about the ability of their societies to adapt. The key would be the revitalization of some of the values of the traditional institutions. David Genders, a social work professional, while not denying Marsland's claims, made a presentation on programs he is involved with that make self-reliance and release from the system a goal of the programs. Geoffrey Partington, a senior lecturer in education, explained why the public schools must be able to teach basic norms and values that place the family at the center of socialization.