A basic idea that operates in reaction mechanism is that having lost an electron a charged molecule will survive longer, the more it has electrons from neighboring bonds rushing to help it to neutralize the stress caused by loss, Benzene stability being a good example.

When faced with a crisis financial or medical a joint family has more chances to come out of it unhurt than a nuclear family. Larger the family tree, more man hours, resources can it pool.

The more feudal a society is more important for your success is how well you are connected and your merit of less and less significance and in extreme case of no consequence at all.

The important role of connections in politics is well elaborated by an article “Dynasty everywhere“.