Some physicians who have called him excessively permissive just didn't understand and gave his understanding approach to child rearing a negative label. He was blamed for the radical behavior of the youth in the '60s. But that didn't emerge from Spock's teachings. It was far more a reflection of the social and political climate. ~ Dr. Marvin Drellich, professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Critics mislabeled a permissive parenting approach, blaming it for social unrest it did not cause.
- In plain terms
- Misunderstandings led to unfair criticism of a parenting style.
- What can you take from it?
- Distinguish between a teaching's intent and broader social outcomes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are we blaming the right things for social change?
Another view
Permissive parenting may still contribute to behavioral issues regardless of the era.
More from Benjamin Spock
An entire generation grew up unacquainted with the thwack of paddle against bottom. ~ Jonathan Yardley American Heritage (April 1985)
Permalink to quote #26 When women are encouraged to be competitive, too many of them become disagreeable.
Permalink to quote #25 What is the use of physicians like myself trying to help parents to bring up children healthy and happy, to have them killed in such numbers for a cause that i…
Permalink to quote #24
Related quotes
Of children as of procreation- the pleasure momentary, the posture ridiculous, the expense damnable.
Evelyn WaughEvelyn Waugh quote #64 The denunciation of the young is a necessary part of the hygiene of older people, and greatly assists in the circulation of their blood.
Logan Pearsall SmithLogan Pearsall Smith quote #1 It is true that for us art is not an end in itself, we have lost too many of our illusions for that. Art is for us an occasion for social criticism, and for re…
Hugo BallHugo Ball quote #1