Narcissistic Parenting in an Insecure World: A History of Parenting Culture 1920s to Present
Harry Hendrick
Abstract
This book analyses the social, political and economic reasons behind parenting trends. It shows how broader social changes, including neoliberalism, feminism, the collapse of the social democratic ideal, and the 'new behaviourism', have led to the rise of the narcissistic parent. The book charts the shift from the liberal and progressive parenting styles of the 1940-1970s, to the more 'behavioural', punitive and managerial methods of child rearing today, made popular by 'tough love' experts, and by New Labour's parent education programmes. The book argues that this trend is symptomatic of the ... More
This book analyses the social, political and economic reasons behind parenting trends. It shows how broader social changes, including neoliberalism, feminism, the collapse of the social democratic ideal, and the 'new behaviourism', have led to the rise of the narcissistic parent. The book charts the shift from the liberal and progressive parenting styles of the 1940-1970s, to the more 'behavioural', punitive and managerial methods of child rearing today, made popular by 'tough love' experts, and by New Labour's parent education programmes. The book argues that this trend is symptomatic of the sour, mean-spirited and vindictive social norms found throughout society today, which undermine the better instincts of parents and damage parent-child relations. The book urges parents to focus on helping and understanding their children as they work at growing up.
Keywords:
parenting,
narcissistic,
new behaviourism,
neoliberalism,
feminism,
social democratic,
New Labour,
vindictive,
parent education
Bibliographic Information
Print publication date: 2016 |
Print ISBN-13: 9781447322559 |
Published to Policy Press Scholarship Online: May 2017 |
DOI:10.1332/policypress/9781447322559.001.0001 |