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The Nurture Assumption

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About this listen

 What makes children turn out the way they do? Why is it that good parents don't always turn out good kids? Judith Rich Harris questions the assumption that nurture is the crucial factor. Using examples from folklore, literature, and scientific research, Harris puts forth the electrifying theory that children aren't socialized by their parents, they're socialized by other children. It is what happens outside the home, while kids are in the company of their peers, that matters most.

The Nurture Assumption challenges everything we've been taught about rearing children and everything we believe about the emotional hangups of adults. It offers wise counsel on what parents can and cannot do, and relief from guilt for those who have tried their hardest but have somehow failed to produce a happy, confident, well-adjusted child.

©1998 Judith Rich Harris; (P)1998 Audio Renaissance Child Psychology Developmental Psychology Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Science
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The book explores the assumption of how much effect parenting has on the development of the child. The book is mildly interesting coming to many conclusions that are common sense when one thinks about them but uses scientific method to back them up. However there does seem to be a few assumptions dismissed in the analysis as to how parenting, such as these are dismissed as parenting, can effect the social circle ones child will choose, which will then become the primary developmental environment in the extreme case boarding school or more subtle ways.

Mildly Interesting

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Only good for classrooms and context if you’re learning about the history of attitudes towards child development. The information here is outdated (obviously) and lacking in many ways.

Definitely outdated

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