Little Platoons
- 320 Seiten
- 12 Lesestunden
Middle-class American life is characterized by intense competition among families, spanning from elite preschools to selective universities. Parents often go to extreme lengths to secure advantages for their children, leading to notorious behaviors like extravagant birthday parties, conflicts at youth sports events, and even criminal acts to manipulate college admissions. While some suggest that parents should simply relax, this overlooks the deeper social dynamics driving their anxiety. Matt Feeney, a political theorist and anxious stay-at-home father, explores these forces in his work, urging parents to recognize their families' unique social roles and potential for resistance. He highlights how parents become ensnared in feedback loops of worry, fixating on worst-case scenarios about their children's futures. In a bid to avoid falling behind, they engage in competitive parenting, prioritizing prestigious college admissions above all else. This leads to sacrifices of personal values and priorities, as parents conform to the demands of educational and social systems. Feeney argues that families, at their best, can provide an alternative set of values and meaning, offering a critical perspective on our hyper-competitive society. Blending original reporting, social analysis, and humorous anecdotes, this work is essential for anyone navigating the challenges of raising children today.
