Some good answers, but I also want to point out that this isn’t actually a universal need.
I think that our social nature, and the way most societies and communities work (particularly in countries that subscribe to exceptionalism) makes them prone to developing these feelings, but they very much are not universal and can even be unleaned.
If all children of American politicians were legally required to attend public schools and integrate into common classes I think we’d see sweeping implementation of gun laws real quick. Might also force them to improve the quality of public schools.