The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Conversation with Jennifer B. Wallace — What to Do About Toxic Achievement Culture
Aug 24, 2023
Jennifer B. Wallace, an award-winning journalist and author of "Never Enough," dives into the pervasive issue of toxic achievement culture in parenting and education. She highlights the economic pressures families face and discusses the importance of helping children feel valued beyond their accomplishments. Wallace emphasizes the differing emotional challenges boys and girls encounter and advocates for redefining success, focusing on resilience and relationships. The impact of social media on self-worth is also critiqued, calling for a cultural shift in values and parenting approaches.
44:09
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Quick takeaways
- Toxic achievement culture in high-achieving schools has led to clinical levels of mental health issues in students, highlighting the importance of prioritizing children's sense of mattering and healthy interdependence.
- The pressure to achieve stems from socioeconomic pressures, and it is crucial to redefine success beyond academic achievement and focus on building resilience, empathy, and social connections in order to combat toxic achievement culture.
Deep dives
The Negative Effects of Toxic Achievement Culture on Children
This podcast episode delves into the detrimental effects of toxic achievement culture on children's mental health. It highlights how students in high-achieving schools are now considered an at-risk group due to clinical levels of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorder. The pressure to constantly achieve and meet high standards has become overwhelming for these students. The episode emphasizes the importance of shifting parental focus from short-term achievement goals to instilling a sense of mattering in children. Parents are encouraged to prioritize healthy interdependence, where children feel valued for who they are, and are also encouraged to add meaningful value to their families, friends, and communities.
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