In times where every tick of the clock ushers in new technologies and societal shifts, I find myself frequently pondering the true value of such relentless transformation. The acceleration of change has become a hallmark of modern existence, but seldom do we stop to consider if this forward momentum is…

Acknowledging the Issues So We Can Build Better — In earlier societies, humans tended to live in close-knit tribes or communities. These tribal bonds provided a strong sense of belonging and security. However, as our societies have modernised and become more individualistic, the concept of a “tribe” evolved. In Western Societies, many of us have moved away from even…

From Childhood Roots to Cultural Contexts — Rethinking Our Understanding of Human Connection and Development — Attachment theory, originating from the meticulous observations and analyses of Mary Ainsworth and John Bowlby, provides a compelling narrative of human relational dynamics. It posits that the qualitative aspects of our initial bonds — those formed in the tender years of infancy and childhood, with our primary caregivers — serve…

Familial Manipulation and Ostracism’s Unseen Wounds — Much like the insidious nature of gaslighting, ostracism and familial manipulation exploit the vulnerabilities of their victims, seeking to silence and control them. This unspoken form of exclusion can be equally, if not more, haunting than verbal or physical abuse. It can act as a silent knife, carving out spaces…

Emotional blackmail is a subtle form of manipulation where one person uses emotional threats, demands, or guilt-tripping to get what they want from another. Often masked as genuine concern or exaggerated affection, it’s a tactic that can be employed by partners, friends, or family to retain a sense of dominance…

Financial abuse is a silent yet powerful tool of control, often eluding detection while enmeshing its victims in invisible chains. This nefarious form of control, subtly manifesting within the confines of relationships, often targets the already economically vulnerable, trapping them in cycles of dependency. Examining the issue within the broader…

Throughout history, the family has been a fundamental social unit, evolving alongside societal changes. In pre-industrial societies, the extended family often served as the basic unit — pooling resources and ensuring mutual care for its members. However, the onset of industrial capitalism, especially in Western contexts, witnessed the rise of…

The Silent Erosion of Collective Ownership in the Neo-liberal Era — For the last forty or so years, “neoliberal capitalism” has been the pervasive economic and political philosophy of our times. Broadly speaking, neo-liberalism espouses free market principles, emphasising minimal state intervention in economic affairs, deregulation, and privatisation. Its influence has steadily grown, permeating policies worldwide and shaping the trajectory of…

Imagining a Future Beyond Capitalism, Privatisation and Inequity — In an era characterised by relentless growth and development, an alarming number of people — traditionally belonging to the working and middle classes — find themselves struggling to keep afloat. The neoliberal capitalist system that governs our societies, with its relentless pursuit of profit and growth, has bred a precarious…