In 'The Nurture Assumption,' Judith Rich Harris challenges the conventional belief that parenting is the primary determinant of a child's development. Instead, she argues that peers, social environments, and innate temperament play a far more significant role in shaping who we become. With compelling research and engaging anecdotes, Harris explores the surprising influences on personality and behavior that lie beyond the family dynamic. This thought-provoking book invites readers to rethink the impact of their upbringing and the factors that truly mold identity. Discover how our relationships outside the home might hold the key to understanding ourselves and each other.
By Judith Rich Harris
Published: 2009
""The family is not the only place where children learn and grow; peers, culture, and circumstances play a profound role in shaping who they become.""
"Explains why parents have little power to determine the sort of people their children become. It is what children experience outside the home, in the company of their peers, that matters most. Parents don't socialize children: children socialize children."--Publisher's description.
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“"The family is not the only place where children learn and grow; peers, culture, and circumstances play a profound role in shaping who they become."”
The Nurture Assumption
By Judith Rich Harris
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Judith Rich Harris is an American author and psychologist known for her pioneering work in developmental psychology and her influential writings on personality development. She gained prominence with her groundbreaking book, "The Nurture Assumption: Why Children Turn Out the Way They Do," which challenges the conventional wisdom about the impact of parenting on child development. Her writing style is characterized by a compelling blend of scientific research and accessible prose, making complex ideas understandable to a broad audience. In addition to her notable works, which also include "No Two Alike: Human Nature and Human Individuality," Harris has contributed significantly to discussions on nature versus nurture, emphasizing the role of peer groups and social context in shaping personality.
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