I have to agree with the idea that Loki was right that subjugation is easier, but it doesn't make people happier. My dad's family is the perfect example. My paternal grandparents have controlled most of the choices their children have made throughout their lives, even making my spinster aunt a third parent to embody their power when they're not present. Also, since my grandfather is a really influential (but now semi-retired) defense lawyer in our city, my aunt and my three uncles all became lawyers, most likely because they felt they had to. My uncles all secretly wanted to be other things (the youngest should have become a forest ranger), but couldn't say no to their parents. My father, the oldest son, made it his goal in life not to become a lawyer, and at least one of my grandfather's colleagues has mocked him for it. My grandparents also made fun of one of my uncles for becoming a Communications major, not an English major (though they're really close)---this uncle rebelled a lot when he was younger, but now he lives exactly the way they live because it's so much easier than rejecting it.

It's funny---we'll rebel (or pretend to rebel) against political figures and some more general authority figures, but we can't do that with family. We kneel before the patriarch and matriarch because asserting ourselves would break everything apart. Thus, we can't talk about Harry Potter in their presence, but they can talk about how blackface is a good form of entertainment. Man, Loki would love my grandparents---they got the power he wants without any bloodshed, just shame and fear.