The Gray Area with Sean Illing The Parent Trap
Sep 19, 2022
Nate Hilger, an economist and data scientist, dives into the pressures parents face and how they impact inequality. He sheds light on the unrealistic expectations placed on parents in today's society and advocates for better public investment in children. The conversation highlights the link between childhood skills and future income, while also addressing how economic backgrounds affect opportunities. Hilger emphasizes the need for universal pre-K, community support, and a united parent voice to drive political change and improve family resources.
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The Parent Trap
- Parents face unrealistic expectations to develop a wide range of skills in their children.
- These skills include academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and practical life skills.
Caring vs. Skill-Building
- Parenting involves two distinct responsibilities: caring and skill-building.
- Caring is relatively egalitarian, while skill-building requires more specialized knowledge and resources.
Skills Predict Income
- A child's skill level, measured by standardized tests, strongly predicts their future income.
- These skills explain a significant portion of income inequality and racial income gaps.
