Family, economics and the information society ‐ How are they affecting each other?

In the twentieth century many developed countries moved from an “agricultural‐based industrial society” to an “information society.” The second part of the century saw a deterioration of social conditions in many industrialized countries. The combination of these two factors has posed to countries both serious challenges and economic burdens. There is concern about the effects of the breakdown of the family on economic development and growth. These problems are magnified when considered within the context of developing economies. Recently, some developed countries have chosen to address what is at the heart of both the social deterioration and the economic problems it brings. This paper addresses two questions. First, how can the family be viewed within economic activity? Second, why are the breakdown of the family and policies that encourage this breakdown incompatible with sustainable real economic development?