The speakers discuss the influence of parents on their children's behaviors and beliefs, exploring topics such as parental aspirations, success-driven parenting, nature versus nurture, and the impact of genetics. They also touch on adoption and twin studies to understand the role of upbringing and genetics in shaping a child's traits and behaviors. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the limitations of studying the impact of parenting on children's behavior and the concept of rebellion in children's development.
Bryan Caplan of George Mason University and EconLog talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the ideas in Caplan's new book, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids. Caplan argues that parents spend too much time trying to influence how their kids will turn out as adults. Using research on twins and adopted children, Caplan argues that nature dominates nurture and that parents have little lasting influence on many aspects of their children's lives. He concludes that parents should spend less time and energy trying to influence their children. If parenting takes less time, then have more kids, says Caplan. The conversation concludes with a discussion of whether a larger population is bad for the planet.