News Science & Society 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 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. SolStock/E+/Getty Images Plus Share this:EmailFacebookTwitterPinterestPocketRedditPrint By Sujata