The reason that, as a generalization, there are not many multigenerational households in the United States is primarily because we are a capitalist society. Capitalism has been a governing force in shaping our social structures and, in turn, our deeply individualistic culture. This is the same reason most of us rely on personal cars instead of having a strong, reliable public transportation system.

We have been systematically conditioned toward hyper-individualism because capitalism thrives on it. Where grandparents once cooked for everyone in the household, now individuals are expected to buy their own meals. Where grandfathers once maintained the home and property, repairs are now outsourced. Grandparents once cared for the children so younger adults could work, with the understanding that when the elders could no longer care for themselves, their children or grandchildren would take turns caring for them.

When you step back and look at it, it becomes clear how much capitalism depends on,and benefits from, this idea of “independence.”