The Political Scene | The New Yorker · The New Yorker

Family Estrangement Is on the Rise. Are Politics to Blame?

November 19, 2025·29 min·2 clips

Anna Russell shares that 27% of Americans are estranged from a relative, a number psychologists believe is rising.

Anna Russell discusses the rise of family estrangement, exploring how political differences, pandemic conflicts, and changing generational views contribute to people going 'no contact' with relatives. She shares insights from experts and personal stories, examining the emotional impacts and potential for reconciliation.

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