Stephen and others,
I definitely don't want to resurrect the Nurture Assumption debate that has
gone on since her theories have been published. But, I will give you my
perspective. Harris has a fine theory supported by selective studies and
not well-countered in her book.
But, I think the real reason it received so much attention is because it
appeals to the Baby Boomer psych-types. [I am aware I am opening up a can of
generational worms]. For Boomer parents who have kids who, well, uh, didn't
turn out exactly how they anticipated rejoice in Harris' assertion that
parents don't really matter. Yes, blame the peers. Peers do the
socializing. Parents, as long as you are generally good to them, have
little influence. Boy, does this lift the burden on parents as the culprits
for less-than-ideal kids. As Boomers, who are much better educated living
in a time of economic expansion and other opportunities, blaming the peers
becomes a way to assuage guilt for turning out the oft-maligned Xers, Ys,
and Millenials.
A proud Xer and non-Harris supporter,
Rob Weisskirch
Rob Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D.
Department of Child and Adolescent Studies
California State University, Fullerton
P.O. Box 6868
Fullerton, CA 92834-6868
(714) 278-2896
http://faculty.fullerton.edu/rweisskirch
