The Nurture Assumption Book Summary

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.""

The Nurture AssumptionBook binding

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"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.

Book Overview of The Nurture Assumption

About the Book Author

J

Judith Rich Harris

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.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Judith Rich Harris
Published
February 2009
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
ISBN
1439101655
Language
English
Pages
483
Genres
Parent Child CommunicationPsychologyParentingDevelopmental Psychology

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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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