So what's the life meaning they should chase? Money? Human greed seems to center around money and causes tons of issues in society, maybe those families have the right sort of idea thinking of it as dirty
However, money as a tool should be well-balanced into your priorities as a human participating into this society. Not the 1st thing, but perhaps the 2nd or 3rd at the very least.
Money is the most liquid value exchange tool we have. It's not to be hoarded I agree, but to be effectively used towards one's benefits which in turn, by the forces of altruism also serves the society as a whole. Would you use barter, then?