The Family as the Centre of Moral Values and Ethics: Challenges since the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Nation-states are a result of the existence of families which constitutes communities that form them. Therefore, without families, regardless of how developed they are, there can’t be communities, and, thus, no nation-states. Religiously argued, the family is the cardinal centre of focus when the wellbeing of a nation-state is to be assessed. Implying that, when families disintegrate, the survival of communities and of nations cannot be guaranteed. Precisely because of this, the family is a primary institution where religious, socio-economic and moral values are imparted to children who ultimately constitute future generations. To unravel dilemmas caused by the devastation of Covid-19 pandemic on families, Maslow’s theory and also that of nihilism are utilised in tandem with the principles and values that are underpinned by Rossouw’s theory. The article aims to preserve the family as an important unit whose core functions is the production of communities. Religiously, diverse belief systems have from time immemorial used and or applied their principles and moral values to either overcome or manage dangers faced by families, or communities at large. Currently, the effects of Covid-19 on the economy, society, religious and learning institutions including essential establishments that delivers critical services are either under great pressure or have stopped functioning entirely. No question, Covid-19 is slowly but surely eroding and altering the way the world’s people are living. It has introduced modes of survival hitherto known or which were never practiced before.