We prioritize family over self, and that has real-world implications

Humans evolved in small-scale societies, so tight-knit groups such as families remain important

A large family sits around a table sharing a meal.

Social scientists tend to study individuals to understand health and well-being. But two new studies suggest that researchers should also study families, with the definition of that term left up to survey respondents. That shift in focus could lead to more effective social policies.

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