The Way of Decision

by M.C. Pease

History records numerous small colonies, based upon unusual ideas of the family unit and social group. Most of these have failed in practice, but usually because they were based upon idealistic notions which had little to do with the economic or social necessities of their times. But what of a new theory of the family and social unit which is designed to conform with actual conditions? And what is such a group likely to face when a new member, a person without any understanding of the actual conditions, has to be accepted as a member?

49 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[Perry Whitford · Rating 2 out of 5]

A 'soft' science fiction short story from 1953 which posits a society where individuals come together into extended, polygamous families called clans, designed around the belief that 'the idea of the family unit has had real meaning only when it has been the economic unit as well'.

The Vord clan, wire-assemblers featuring seven males, six females and twelve children, debate whether or not to take in a female outsider whose father, against the idea of the clans up until then, will offer them a large contract of work if they do.

An interesting premise, but as the title suggests, the story only covers the clan decision, not the consequences. It leaves you wishing for a fuller look at this alternative family unit, not just a snapshot.

n.b. I don't even know if M.C. Pease was a man or a woman, an internet search left me none the wiser. Anyone out there know?