It just occurred to me that it is possible that the Catholic church, as an institution, may be stuck a few generations back where fathers used to be.

Let's see if I can say that better:

Not long ago at all, historically speaking, the head male of a household was the one who made the rules and saw to it that they were carried out. Not only was his own wife subject to his whims and opinions but the children were considered by him - and by law - to be his.

It is only very recently, historically speaking, that the teen years have been recognized as a discrete stage of life with separate and distinct needs.

Children historically have been considered powerless and their only function, really, was to serve.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this but my point is that the Church, as head of the Family, may have got into the mindset of seeing the people as powerless and expendable.

'Expendable' is not the word I want- can anyone help me out with this? :)