"Families are nothing other than the idolatry of duty"

In this quote, Ann Oakley is recommending that the concept of household is typically seen as a responsibility or obligation instead of a real connection or bond. She is indicating that society places a high value on satisfying traditional family functions and duties, rather than valuing the true psychological and personal connections within a family. By using the word "idolatry," Oakley is likewise recommending that this emphasis on task can end up being nearly like a type of praise, where people are expected to prioritize their household responsibilities above all else. Overall, this quote challenges the standard notion of household and encourages a deeper examination of the true meaning and purpose of familial relationships.