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The Nurture Assumption
480 pages, 2009
science & nature
1064 books
psychology
705 booksThis groundbreaking book, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times notable pick, rattled the psychological establishment when it was first published in 1998 by claiming that parents have little impact on their children's development.
In this tenth-anniversary edition of The Nurture Assumption, Judith Harris has updated material throughout and provided a fresh introduction. Combining insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, primatology, and evolutionary biology, she explains how and why the tendency of children to take cues from their peers works to their evolutionary advantage.
This electrifying book explodes many of our unquestioned beliefs about children and parents and gives us a radically new view of childhood.
In The Nurture Assumption, Judith Rich Harris challenges the common belief that parents are the primary shapers of a child's personality. She argues that peers and the outside environment play a more significant role in molding a child's behavior and character.
Harris suggests that it's not the parents, but the peer group that has the most influence on a child's development. So, if you're a parent, it's worth taking a closer look at your child's friends and their influence.
The book also explores the impact of culture on a child's development. Harris argues that cultural norms and values, transmitted through peers, significantly shape a child's behavior and personality.
Harris doesn't completely dismiss the role of parents. She acknowledges that genetics play a part in a child's development. However, she emphasizes that the environment, particularly the peer environment, is more influential.
The Nurture Assumption encourages parents to rethink their role in child-rearing. Instead of focusing solely on their influence, parents should also consider the impact of peers and the broader environment on their child's development.
Quotes 4
The Nurture Assumption is a game-changer; it challenges the conventional wisdom about child development, making us rethink our beliefs about parenting's role.
Steven Pinker - Cognitive PsychologistHarris's book is a significant contribution to developmental psychology. It forces us to reconsider the importance of genetics over environment in shaping a child's personality.
Robert Plomin - Behavioral GeneticistThe Nurture Assumption is a paradigm shift in understanding child development. It challenges the belief that parents are the primary shapers of a child's future.
Daniel Goleman - Psychologist, AuthorHarris's The Nurture Assumption is a revolutionary book that challenges the traditional belief in the overwhelming power of parenting.
Richard Dawkins - Evolutionary BiologistRecommendations
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