

The Garden of Earthly Barbarians
May 22, 2024
Alison Gopnik, a psychology professor, discusses parenting as a gardener vs. carpenter, emphasizing natural nurturing. They explore diverse caregiving approaches, sibling dynamics, and adapting to children's temperaments. The importance of intimate caregiving relationships and societal implications are highlighted. Practical solutions for supporting families and promoting language diversity are also discussed, along with the balance between personal relationships and civic responsibilities.
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Gardener vs. Carpenter Parenting
- The carpenter parenting model emphasizes goals and maximizing utilities, while the gardener model prioritizes creating a nurturing space for diverse flourishing.
- Children, like diverse gardens, possess robustness and adaptability in the face of change.
Diversity in Child Temperament
- Children exhibit greater diversity within groups than between groups, particularly in temperament.
- The gardener approach accommodates a wide range of temperaments, crucial for caregiver well-being and child development.
Transparency in Care
- Caregiving involves a transparent commitment, loving the cared-for individual despite uncertainty about their future.
- This transparent commitment allows for diversity and the complex interplay of nature and nurture.