Gregory - Wharton

While reading 'Whatever happened to householding?', it was surprising to realize how profoundly association with a specific household can shape one’s life experience. From peasant proprietorships to Jainism to the Mafia, when an individual is born into a well-established household, it generally seems as if one’s life path is decided for him. Members of peasant households will always be peasants; members of Mafia families will be inclined to view illegal behavior as socially acceptable and in many situations, admirable; and Jainists will always be considered extremely noble in Indian culture, regardless of personal integrity. With household membership comes a label. This leads me to question if it is possible for an individual of a certain caste/social demographic/specific household to truly “make a name for himself?” Or if, regardless of personal pursuits, the implications of household will forever prevent an individual from separating from family and implicative history?