The Nurture Assumption By Judith Harris - 2120 Words

Kathryn Riis Ap English Mrs. Baer 3 December 2014 Parents Do Matter Section 1: Introduction and Context: The nurture assumption by definition is the assumption that the way a parent raises a child has a long term effect on the child. In Judith Harris’ book, The Nurture Assumption, she argues against the nurture assumption and claims it is false. Now if that were true than what is the point of a parent even trying to communicate with their child? What’s the point of a parent trying to be a good role-model? What’s the point of a parent not abusing and mistreating their child? Each parent knows that their behavior, action, and the way they treat their child effects them in many ways, so because a parent normally wants what’s best for their child they tend to try and keep a good relationship with their child, try to be a good role-models, and restrain from mistreating their child. Harris points out the significant influence of genes and peers on a child’s personality and behavior, and she believes that these influences are greater than the influence of parents. While genes and peers do have a great effect on a child, there is no evidence that proves any of these three influences (peers, parents, and genes) are more influential than the other. Parents are generally the only people who are around their children during the first few years of their lives, which are considered the most influential years of a child’s life when it comes to early behavior, so someone could easilyShow MoreRelatedPersonality Development of Children: Who Matters More?1681 Words   |  7 PagesPersonality development of children: Who Matters More? Judith Harris and John Bowlby The impact of parents on child development has been a major matter among developmental psychologists who have been trying to find a direct link between parental activities and the personality development of children. The nature vs. nurture debate remains vital and keeps the world of developmental and clinical psychology polarized for a long time now (Encyclopedia.com). There are various factors that affectRead MoreThe Development And Behavior Of A Child906 Words   |  4 Pagesare parents and environment, mainly peers. However, in 1998, Judith Rich Harris published her book called The Nurture Assumption in which she argues that parents really do not matter very much. Harris suggests that peer group of a child is more important that parents (Scientific American). Our main goal is to provide arguments on both sides and evaluate who really has the most influence on the development and behavior of a child. Harris wrote in her book that she witnessed some cases, which showedRead MoreThe Birth Order Effect On Personality1099 Words   |  5 PagesCause or no Cause? 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