Amoral Familism

Amoral Familism is a sociological concept introduced by Edward Banfield to describe a social system where loyalty to the family takes precedence over broader societal obligations. It is characterized by behaviors that prioritize immediate family interests, often at the expense of communal welfare or adherence to social norms. Amoral familism can lead to limited social trust and cooperation outside the family unit, hindering collective progress and the development of civic institutions. Sociologists use this concept to examine the effects of social structures, economic conditions, and cultural norms on community development. While initially applied to rural Southern Italy, the term is also used to analyze similar dynamics in other societies.