Freakonomics Radio 223. Should Kids Pay Back Their Parents for Raising Them?
Oct 8, 2015
Viviana Zelizer, a sociology professor at Princeton, delves into the heated debate about whether children should financially repay their parents for raising them. The discussion features a light-hearted look at a former NFL player's mother seeking $1 million as repayment. It also highlights the emotional complexities of familial obligations and the evolving expectations surrounding financial support across different cultures. Anecdotes reveal how these themes intertwine with personal experiences, shaping our understanding of gratitude and responsibility in family dynamics.
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Athlete's Mom Demands $1 Million
- Philip Buchanan was a talented athlete who faced family pressure about his professional choices and financial rewards.
- On his NFL draft day, his mother asked him for a million dollars for raising him, causing tension despite his success.
Philip Buchanan’s Financial Struggles
- Philip Buchanan spent roughly a million dollars before his NFL draft, buying his mom a house and supporting her monthly.
- Despite spending lavishly, he never repaid his mom’s million-dollar demand and their relationship soured.
Children's Role Has Transformed
- Cultural views shifted in the 20th century valuing children emotionally, not economically.
- Historically, children were economically valuable, but laws and culture increasingly sentimentalized childhood.
