ACHIEVEMENT CULTURE: What It’s Doing to Our Kids—and to Us
Nov 16, 2023
01:12:27
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This podcast discusses the negative impact of achievement culture on kids and adults, including rising rates of anxiety and depression. The guests explore the worries of parents and society regarding the well-being of children and present solutions to dismantle this culture. They also discuss the effects of achievement culture on individuals, the changing nature of work and wealth, the challenges of unwinding economic privilege, and the potential impact of AI on job sectors and education.
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Quick takeaways
The prevalent achievement culture negatively impacts the mental health of American teenagers, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
The intense focus on extrinsic values and achievement in the education system puts excessive pressure on children and compromises their mental well-being, requiring a shift in values and reevaluating economic pressures.
Reforming the education system to reduce the gap between opportunities for children from different socioeconomic backgrounds is essential in fostering a more inclusive and less competitive environment.
Deep dives
Negative impact of achievement culture on children's mental health
The podcast episode discusses how the prevalent achievement culture is negatively impacting the mental health of American teenagers, particularly those in high achieving schools. Studies show that rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are significantly higher among these students compared to the general population. The pressure to constantly achieve, the focus on external validation, and the intense competition in academics and extracurriculars contribute to this phenomenon. The episode highlights the need for parents and society as a whole to reconsider the definition of success and prioritize intrinsic values, well-being, and meaningful relationships over external accomplishments.
The economic factors driving achievement culture
The podcast delves into the economic factors that fuel the achievement culture and high pressure on children. As parents witness the increasing economic uncertainty, rising inequality, and the decline of the middle class, they often believe that early childhood success and gaining admission to prestigious colleges will secure their children's future. However, this intense focus on extrinsic values and achievement puts excessive pressure on children and compromises their mental well-being. The episode suggests that a shift in values and reevaluating the economic pressures on children is necessary to create a healthier and more balanced approach to success.
Addressing the education system and redefining success
The podcast explores the need for reformation within the education system to address the harmful effects of achievement culture. It suggests the idea of reducing the gap between educational opportunities for children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. This can be achieved by challenging the nonprofit status of elite private educational institutions, which perpetuate exclusivity and limit access. By increasing enrollments and admitting more students from diverse backgrounds, elite schools can create a more inclusive and less competitive environment. Reevaluating the definition of success and placing more emphasis on intrinsic values, well-being, and meaningful relationships is crucial in fostering a healthier education and societal system for future generations.
The Impact of Economic Privilege
The podcast discusses how the concentration of wealth and economic privilege has shifted in society. It explores the ways in which wealth and capitalist systems have changed over time, leading to increased labor exploitation at the top echelons of society. The podcast emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the suffering of both the wealthy and the less privileged, highlighting the real pain experienced by both groups. Additionally, it examines the potential risks and challenges posed by concentrated economic privilege and the need for a political shift to address and alleviate these disparities.
Status Obsession and Economic Insecurity
The podcast explores the role of status in society and how it drives the behavior of parents and children. It underscores the economic insecurities faced by even the upper class and the pressure to maintain or elevate status. The discussion highlights the decline in economic mobility for the middle class and how it intensifies the concern for the economic future of their children. The podcast suggests that the current education system should adapt to focus on critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration, preparing students for the skills needed in a rapidly changing era. It also touches upon the potential impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, on future employment and the need for individuals to become continuous learners.
It's no secret that we live in a ferociously competitive world. But what is the drive to always be the best doing to our kids? That's what journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace wanted to know when she set out to write her new book, "Never Enough." The kids, she discovered, are not alright. Teenagers are battling burnout, depression, and anxiety at alarming rates.
How did we let this happen, and what can we do to fix it?
To answer these vexing but vital questions, we invited Jennifer to chat with Daniel Markovits. He's the author of "The Meritocracy Trap" and a professor at Yale Law School, where he's seen toxic achievement culture up close. In this episode, recorded live at Betaworks in New York City, Jennifer, Daniel, and Rufus discuss why our kids are under such unrelenting pressure, what we can do to give them some relief, and the potential role of new technologies, like AI, in creating positive solutions.
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Host: Rufus Griscom
Guests: Jennifer Breheny Wallace & Daniel Markovits
• Click here to hear Daniel's previous appearance on the show.
• Want the best non-fiction books of the year delivered to your doorstep? Sign up for a Next Big Idea Club subscription at nextbigideaclub.com, and use the code PODCAST to get 20% off and a free copy of Adam Grant's new book, "Hidden Potential"!
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