Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The extended family (grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles) is less important now than it was in the past. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

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The extended family is no longer commonplace in modern society due to the technology-driven changes in labor distribution, internal migration, and people's mindset. While we are more used to life in a nucleus family composed of only parents and children, the importance of extended family by no means diminishes.

To begin with, a big family naturally gives more supports to its members. People living in this ever-connected world often feel bewildered or swamped in front of the drastic changes in their neighborhood or work place. And modern people all suffer from a mounting pressure. But under the care and supports from relatives who live close to them, they will feel less difficult to live or even survive in the modern society. Indeed, at any time of hardship, the readier your concerns can be attuned to, the easier you will get reoriented and re-motivated in your life.

Moreover, an extended family helps reinforce the solidarity a nation needs to thrive. A large family almost always means there is a series of tradition cherished for a long time. Naturally, its presence facilitates the building of a strong community, to shape and reshape core values, to safeguard noble institutions that beef up the bond among people within the same big family. Its very existence is a beacon of hope that defines who we are. With this kind of strong heart and sense of orientation, an individual will undoubtedly contribute more to his or her community.

In addition, a society consisting of solely nucleus families inevitably leads to narrow-mindedness and indifference. Compared with those living in adjacent houses, people living in modern but closely aligned apartment buildings tend to have less contact with each other and misunderstandings easily abounds. Similarly, a nucleus family in a way prevents people of different doors from knowing each other, or helping each other, causing more indifference in this world.

In conclusion, an extended family is all the more important now than it was in the past and therefore should be maintained whenever possible.