Counterbalanced, theoretically, assuming that parity is what is sought by all parties. I can see a case where disparity could be sought out, particularly by those who might want more than they are willing to give. But that's all theoretical; practically, there aren't a limitless number of potential relationships to be investigated or sought out.

And I guess I should have overtly said that I was talking about "right now*". I suspect it was the concept of land ownership and inheritance that made family primary, even though I desperately want to blame the Victorians (I want to blame them for all sorts of social wrongs).


*+/- some years