Family gatherings from the sociobiological perspective

Altruism, or unselfish interest in the welfare of others, is not really all that selfish since it is genetically biased toward the survival and reproductive success of ones family, ones kin, and ones larger ethnic group, whether we are conscious of the bias or not.

When I think of larger family gatherings, including my own, if I am honest, I can see that blood brothers and their families get along together better with each other than they do with their half brothers and their families. Also differences in ideas can be more difficult to smooth over in divorced families than in undivorced families, which relates to why tradition has been against divorce in general, it tends to divide families and divided families did not survive as successfully as undivided families.

Sharing the same overarching universal or religious world view can help families get along better but it is naive to think universalism can overcome distinct genetic differences. We see this also in the increasing disorder in multi-ethnic societies, no matter what cultural philosophy is in place. That may be a hard fact to admit in our liberal, culturally Marxist societies, but it is the truth.

I think it helps to understand bonding problems and successes when we look at our family gatherings from this sociobiological perspective. We may then better understand why some members are closer than others, beyond the problems that come from political differences. If there are no divorces or half brothers, and if everyone is of the same religion and political persuasion, consider your family unusual in today's world.

Accepting that your family gatherings may not be perfect from this sociobiological perspective may make you less frustrated with your family, so you don't drop out or shun your family. That at least is the hope.