Do you feel like The Learning Channel exploits these families for profit? Are the families complicit in the exploitation?

I just read this quote at tv.spreadit.org “many see (this show) as another way for TLC to exploit a family for ratings.” Little People, Big World, Jon and Kate Plus 8, One Big Happy Family, The Little Couple, 18 Kids and Counting, Table for 12; are these all harmless “slice of life” reality shows or examples of families being exploited for ratings and profits? If you do see them as being exploited, who do you hold responsible? Is it TLC for dangling the idea of fame and riches in front of these families? Or is the families who put their own notoriety before their family?