The modern psychological theory recognizes that human development is highly influenced by the social environment in which one has grown up. Along with psychology, the tradition and philosophy of parenting, informed on many levels by the progress of the sciences, constantly evolves. Many efforts within research and public policy are put towards bettering the social conditions for parents and children worldwide. So while there exists a multitude of views on how to promote and protect children’s well-being during these crucial stages where an individual is shaped, we ought to approach the topic with an open mind.
Plato’s Republic, one of the most significant works of Western philosophy dating back to Classical Antiquity, is a text in which the structure, spirit, and inner workings of the potential ideal society are discussed at length. Within this perfect state, Plato argues that children must be raised communally. Let the philosopher’s view be an introduction or rather a re-introduction to the ancient African saying: “It takes a village to raise a child”. Both ideas may seem outdated in the context of modern Western society far removed from the lifestyles of African villagers and the Greek upper class. However, it is worth considering the definition and meaning of the village, in particular who it includes, from a modern perspective.
Let us look at Bronfebrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, a popular study of the relationship between an individual and their social environment. According to the model, there are numerous layers through which one’s social environment can be categorised. Bronfebrenner identifies immediate layers as family, friends, neighbors, and educational institutions – settings that form one’s primary social circle. What it also does is assert the role of the political system in one’s development. Thus, the definition of the village broadens.
In discussing modern definitions of the notions above, we may also take into consideration modern challenges encountered by families nowadays. With the growing rates of mental illnesses, the aftermath of a global pandemic, the outbreak of war in multiple regions of the world, and the overall crises of economy and resources, families are faced with an issue of isolation and lack of connectivity on a larger scale than ever before. By including global, national, and local political institutions into the equation, we emphasise their responsibility to care for children and parents on the state level. This care may be displayed through actively focusing on creating ways to cultivate and fund community-oriented organisations which provide means for building support networks for families. The cause calls for active investment into such things as local initiatives (e.g. support groups, family-friendly communal events) and informational campaigns, coming from organs of government. From this angle, we may regard political organs as members of the village.
The saying “It takes a village” can be rephrased in the following way: “It takes various sources of guidance and care to bring up a child”. It means that a solid support system needs to be engaged in the parenting process, that may include family and other members of one’s social environment, as well as trusted professionals. This network may be established thanks to active investment into such things as local initiatives (e.g. support groups, family-friendly communal events) and informational campaigns, coming froml organs of government.
While each “village” will look different, the shared responsibility of care for one’s child is divided throughout many layers of one’s social environment. Thus, as we have established, connection with one’s community remains a crucial ingredient for promoting family well-being. The support for children and parents must come from a diversity of sources, and be cultivated on various levels, in line with the complexity of modern family life.