The Nurture Assumption
by Judith Rich Harris
Harris's heresy: parents matter much less than assumed, and peers matter much more; children socialise themselves in groups and the home has little lasting effect on personality. Controversial, forcefully argued, and partially vindicated by behavioural genetics since.
Read it if…
you want the strongest challenge to the idea that parenting determines outcomes.
Skip it if…
you want reassurance; this is an argument.
Three things you will actually use
- Peer groups shape children more than parents do.
- Choose the neighbourhood and school; that is the lever.
- Guilt about outcomes is often misplaced.
Do this first
Read the chapter on peer groups and think about who your child spends time with.
Our verdict
The heresy on parenting.
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