The Nazi Redefinition of Family

... The Nazi Redefinition of Family The Nazi regime in Germany sought to influence and control nearly every institution in society. Because of the totalitarian nature of the regime, institutions in the society became infused with Nazi ideals and therefore willing to engage in the pursuit of Nazi goals. The family in Nazi Germany was considered to be "the foundation of the state" (Mosse 34), which was one of the main reasons that consolidating control over its enterprises was considered to be absolutely crucial to the maintenance of the regime. Because the family was seen as "the primordial cell of the Volk" (Pine 8), its structure and health, as well as its conformity to Nazi ideals, were prerequisite to establishing a well-populated, healthy, and subservient nation. The importance of the family in pursuing the goals of the state can also be seen in the area of eugenic reform, which was undertaken

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