Why has the extended family become less influential in disciplining society?

The extended family has become less influential in disciplining society primarily due to the increasing physical distance between family members. As societal structures and dynamics have evolved, many extended family members now live far from each other, which makes it difficult for them to participate regularly in the upbringing and discipline of children or the socialization processes in their wider family networks. This geographical separation limits the opportunities for interaction, support, and reinforcement of shared values and norms that traditionally would have been provided by a close-knit extended family.

In contrast, other factors like heightened responsibilities or changing family dynamics might suggest a reduced capacity or willingness to engage in these roles, but the fundamental issue of physical distance creates a significant barrier. This detachment can weaken the traditional roles that extended families often performed, such as mentorship, guidance, and collective responsibility for children's upbringing, leading to diminished influence in societal discipline.