What are family values and how is this concept used in politics?

Answer 1

For normal Americans, family values indicates a set of norms andmores that enhance and sustain the family: responsibility for and caring for children, sexual fidelity between partners, showing and teaching children respect for others, moral behavior, etc.

In politics, however, the term has become a mockery. This is because the so-called religious right (the "Moral Majority", etc.) have used the term as a club, claiming that they and only they represent"family values" and--by extension--that anyone who dares to disagree with their ideology--on family issues or anything else--is thereby immoral.

But--this is not out of a strict adherance to standards, it is purley political rhetoric, designed to smear opponents and intimidate dissenters into silence. That is not a "unfounded accusation." The consequence of claiming to be moral arbiters is that the neoconservatives--and in particular their leaders--have to set an example--or forfeit their claim to the moral high ground.

And--their behavior is not only not consistant with their own stated standards, it would emparrass a mongrel yard dog. Look at Foley, Haggard, Vitter, Wolfowitz, and now Haggard. Not to mention dozens of less prominant neoconservatives caught engaging in sexual deviance, violating the law, accepting bribes, commiting perjury.

And the "rank-and-file, who loudly excuse their leaders. Or look at the statistics. For example--the religous right/neoconservatives have the highest rates of domestic abuse, the higest rates of divorce--and so on. They tolerate--even welcome--openly racist groups like the KKK into their ranks.

"Family values" and "moral values" are important--they are indeed vital to the health of our society.

But don't look to the right-wing for family and moral values. They don't haveany.

Answer 2

Family values is a slogan since no two families are the same and the slogan is used just like religion is used to berate those who do not subscribe to the idea of either. I'm over fifty and I can't remember when our country was ever this screwed-up. If this is what family values has gotten us over the past forty years, I'll pass and implement my own values. I don't need my government legislating my morals or my values.

Answer 3

It is as GML describes. However, that description is not the way that everyone is happy living their lives.

Unfortunately, if you are gay or lesbian and want to have a family by adopting one of the hundreds of thousands of children who are in foster care, you can't fall under that description. Even if you meet every other criteria listed outside of having a male/female union, you don't represent "family values."

Things like that leads to what is "ultimately" deemed as the downfall of society. People pretending to be who they aren't, until one day it "slips out" and everyone in their life (wife/husband and children, mom and dad, sister/brother, etc etc) reality is flipped upside down. Sound familiar?

This guise of "family values" in politics does nothing but harm our society in the long run because, subsequently, laws are passed based on these "family values" that act to rob others of their civil liberties.

Not everyone can fit into a pretty little box with a bow on it, all nice and wrapped in gold leaf paper. Unfortunately, while some of us celebrate the differences that exist in humanity, others of us shun it.

Answer 4

The phrase "family values" generally refers to the set of moral assumptions and behavioral expectations that the conservative movement thinks everyone should follow.

It is really nothing more than an attempt to enforce on set of cultural and religious beliefs on everyone as a matter of law -- based solely on that particular group having a large number of people, and thus having the political shouting power to make themselves heard.

Because that group has a large voter base, any candidate trying to get those votes needs to either advocate the same positions, or give good excuses why they don't.

Answer 5

family values is a phrase used by the religious right that means the neclear family should be preserved.

the truth is family changes with each generation. the concept we have of family is fairly new (parents taking care of children, no nannies or boarding school).

people who do not want to progress and change with time vote for those who agree with them

Answer 6

Most Republicans work hard and have Family Values.
Most Democrats are on Welfare and Hate Family Values.

Answer 7

Anything that supports the healthy nuclear family (husband, wife, children) and how that family contributes to society. Healthy nuclear families want safety, stability, quality education, quality health, and food, shelter, and clothing. The healthy nuclear family helps stablize society while non healthy families contribute to the breakdown of society.

Answer 8

in politics human are like marionette and puppet , so family is ameaningless word in politics ...