> you need software to map the relations to objects
If you start with a network data model perspective and build that into your system, then it follows that you'll want a network data model to SQL mapper. That's what ORMs are, and the need for them comes from your approach, not from the tools you use.
There's a different approach - use OOP to build computational abstractions rather than model data. Use it to decompose the solution rather than model the problem. Have objects that talk to the database, exchange sets of facts between it and themselves, and process sets of facts. In the process, you can also start viewing data relationally - as n-ary relations over sets of values - as opposed to binary relationships between tables of records.
Information systems are not domain simulations, simulations compute the future state of the domain whereas information systems derive facts from known facts at the present time.
For a visual metaphor, car engineers don't use roadmaps as design diagrams and they don't model the problem domain in the systems they build. A car isn't built from streets, turns, road signs, traffic lights, etc. And despite that, cars function perfectly well in the problem domain. A car generally doesn't need to be refactored and reassembled when roads or rules change.
If you start with a network data model perspective and build that into your system, then it follows that you'll want a network data model to SQL mapper. That's what ORMs are, and the need for them comes from your approach, not from the tools you use.
There's a different approach - use OOP to build computational abstractions rather than model data. Use it to decompose the solution rather than model the problem. Have objects that talk to the database, exchange sets of facts between it and themselves, and process sets of facts. In the process, you can also start viewing data relationally - as n-ary relations over sets of values - as opposed to binary relationships between tables of records.
Information systems are not domain simulations, simulations compute the future state of the domain whereas information systems derive facts from known facts at the present time.
For a visual metaphor, car engineers don't use roadmaps as design diagrams and they don't model the problem domain in the systems they build. A car isn't built from streets, turns, road signs, traffic lights, etc. And despite that, cars function perfectly well in the problem domain. A car generally doesn't need to be refactored and reassembled when roads or rules change.