hyper-atomization, hyper-individualism, hyper-personalism

So from the time of bands, tribes, and villages, the period of civilization has seen less and less in the way of social support as there has been increasing atomization of life.

The American Dream was a near-culmination of this pattern. A nuclear family in a house on a plot of private property land.

There was still a degree of interdependence. The husband had the role of “going out” … out into the labor force to bring home money. He took care of the outside of the house and the grounds. The wife took care of domestic matters inside the house (including, of course, the children). An issue was that the latter was perceived as subordinate. Liberation was to have both partners work.

No one dependent upon anyone else. Individuals have their educational credentials, their career, their pursuits, and their profile. Their web site and their personal branding.

Finally the ultimate in atomization, individualism, personalism, and loneliness.