The Importance of Family Relationships for the Economic Development of Society

Abstract

This article affirms the importance of family relationships for the economic development of society. The first part shows that, in many aspects, the global economic system is devoid of relational goods. Assuming that the human family “is the first and most important school of mercy”, it is underlined, in the second part, that, also in the economic field, we need to put into practice that kind of merciful relationships that privilege being over having and do not appeal to an invisible hand to justify the indifference towards humans and nature. The third part presents some current initiatives that show the importance of family relationships for an integral development.