The Nurture Assumption: Why Children Turn Out the Way They Do

By Judith Rich Harris

Categories: Parenting & Relationships, Politics & Social Sciences

Judith Rich Harris challenges the widely held belief that parents are the main influence on how their children turn out. Reviewing research in psychology and behavioral genetics, she argues that genes and peer groups matter far more than parenting styles in shaping personality. Harris explains how children learn to fit in with other children and adopt the norms of their groups, and what this means for parents.

Recommended by 1 person

• Shane Parrish: “Still Interested? It’s highly recommended that you read both of her books in full: The Nurture Assumption and No Two Alike.”