The Impact of History and Socioeconomic Circumstances on Love

History, in all its forms, reflects the deeper dynamics of human relationships, showing how these connections are shaped by changing social, economic, and cultural forces. While romantic love often dominates modern understandings of family, it is not always the driving force behind the creation of bonds, especially during times of hardship. In fact, survival and the emotional and practical support provided by community-based relationships often take precedence.

In many societies, particularly in rural or working-class communities, the practice of entrusting children to other families for practical or financial reasons is one illustration of how socio-economic contexts influence human relationships. These arrangements—whether within extended families or close-knit local communities—reflect the necessity of mutual support, complex social ties, and often, love itself. It is through this lens that we will explore how such contexts shape the ways in which love, care, and familial bonds are formed and expressed.

One of many pivotal moments in history that reshaped familial bonds and emotional ties was the post-World War II migration wave. During the 1960s, many Greek and Italian families migrated to countries like Germany, France, and Belgium in search of better economic opportunities, particularly in the mines. In this context, love and familial duty were expressed in new and often complex ways, as families navigated the challenges of migration, separation, and survival. In the 1960s, millions of Greeks and Italians, mostly from rural, agrarian backgrounds, left their home countries seeking better economic prospects. Men typically went abroad first, leaving their families behind with the hope of earning money to send home. Once established, they would later bring over their wives and children or go back to their family.

For those who had to leave their children behind, the separation was often painful, but the children had to rely on the support of other families. In some cases, both parents would leave to work abroad, and children were sent to live with extended family members or friends. For families that migrated with children, in the absence of immediate family support structures and a stable social environment, they also had to rely on community-based support. Families from the same village, town, or region often found each other in foreign lands, leading to the development of what could be called “neighborhood families.” These relationships went beyond mere geographical proximity and created new forms of familial bonds and a sense of belonging.

In these circumstances, love manifested in acts of care and support between neighbors, friends, and distant relatives. Families often took in children from other families, offering them food, shelter, and emotional security in exchange for mutual trust and a shared goal of improving their economic prospects. These forms of care were not limited to material support. They were deeply emotional acts, expressions of love that transcended the traditional boundaries of biological kinship.

Faced with financial hardship and the desire to secure a better future, some parents made the heart-wrenching decision to send their children to live with other families—either temporarily or permanently. This practice was common in tight-knit communities where extended families or local families supported each other through the challenges of migration. Some children were placed with local families who opened their homes, providing education, care, and emotional support. These local families did not merely offer hospitality; they became surrogate parents, integrating immigrant children into the fabric of the community and helping them adapt to their new lives. This love, though not rooted in traditional parental bonds, became an essential part of the immigrant experience. Love, in this context, was multi-faceted. It was expressed not only between parents and children but also between children and the families who welcomed them. This love transcended borders, bloodlines, and language. It was rooted in shared human experiences of sacrifice, solidarity, and care. These local networks of support were vital to the survival and success of immigrant families, helping them navigate the hardships of migration while creating a new kind of family based on community and shared responsibility.

We had the privilege of meeting Chrissoula, now 68 years old, who immigrated to Belgium with her parents from Greece during this period. She was one of four sisters and lived with a Belgian couple from their neighborhood. Although this period of her childhood deeply marked Chrissoula and left her with emotional scars, she now understands the profound impact it had on her life. She attests to the love she continued to receive—not only from her own parents but also from the Belgian couple who took her in, whom she came to love and consider as her own parents.

She speaks of this love as one with deep meaning, rooted in dedication and support. This bond helped her family settle in Belgium and created a foundation for future generations to thrive. Chrissoula recalls how the support she received allowed her family to establish themselves, ultimately ensuring that the generations that followed would have opportunities they otherwise might not have had.

The man from the couple who took her in recently passed away. Chrissoula honored us by sharing the heartfelt farewell letter she wrote to him. Despite its deeply personal nature, she felt compelled to share it, as she wanted to express how profoundly this experience shaped her understanding of love. In her words, this experience was not just about survival—it was about a deeper form of love that was forged through dedication, sacrifice, and mutual care.

“Michel,

The final chapter of our story is closing, Michel. Ours is a truly unique story. Remember, Michel, that day in 1961 when a Greek immigrant family moved in near you. We had nothing. Rosa, Andrée, and you welcomed us, helped us, and gave us shelter, even though we were nothing but strangers. For all of this, I thank you. From being neighbors, my parents became your friends—true friends—bound by mutual respect and unwavering trust.

Remember, Michel, that day in 1965 when Dimitri and Dimitra entrusted their little girl to you, with the promise of giving me a better future. You took care of me, raised me, and educated me. For all of this, I thank you. I had two fathers, two mothers, and a wonderful grandmother—Rosa, loving, kind, and comforting. Together, you instilled in me the values that have shaped me into the person I am today: honesty, courage, discipline, and a love for hard work. For all of this, I thank you.

I loved you, Andrée and you, like parents—with respect, devotion, and gratitude. I have never forgotten all that I owe you. The final chapter of our story is closing, Michel. It may not have ended well, but what matters is the journey we shared together for nearly 60 years. The memories are many. I didn’t share your passion for algebra, football, or cycling, but I cherished our Sunday walks, the train excursions, the winter holidays in the mountains, and the family meals on holidays and birthdays. For all of this, I thank you.

You were a believer, Michel. You will now join Andrée, Rosa, Dimitra, and Dimitri. Tell them how much I miss them, just as I was already missing you..."

This act of sharing her letter underscores how love can manifest in ways beyond romantic relationships. It highlights the enduring power of community—how, even in times of hardship, love finds ways to grow, adapt, and strengthen through the acts of care and support between individuals, families, and entire communities.