The infant citizen: Mean societies produce mean people. Though often disappointed a baby is born to expect some kind – a rather conservative kind – of socialism
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Kraemer, Sebastian (2016) The infant citizen: Mean societies produce mean people. Though often disappointed a baby is born to expect some kind – a rather conservative kind – of socialism. TAP: Taxpayers Against Poverty . Full text available
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Abstract
Babies haven’t changed much for millennia. Give or take a few enzymes this perfectly designed little bundle of desires and interests has not needed to evolve. Of all primates, the human is the most immature at birth, after which brain growth accelerates and is ‘wired’ according to the kinds of experience the infant has. Provided there are a few familiar and affectionate people there to care continuously for him or her, baby will be fine. If not, evolution has taken care of that too. You live in a cruel world and treat him roughly? He will develop into a compulsively self-reliant and ruthless individual with little concern for others. Mean societies produce mean people. Through attentive care in the early years we may hope to produce thoughtful, curious and confident young people1 but our social arrangements are essentially hostile and competitive. Having a baby is regarded as an expensive undertaking rather than as a contribution to the future of society. Encouraged by successive governments our world is geared to markets. "It's the economy,stupid" means you can't do anything without considering the immediate cost. The more this idea takes hold the stupider we become. The current government’s dedication to continuous welfare cuts hits children disproportionately. Neoliberalism is the enemy of children.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Additional Information: | Published 22 May 2016 |
| Subjects: | Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Child Development Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Socialisation Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Babies Social Welfare > Social Services |
| Department/People: | Honorary Staff |
| URI: | https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/1333 |
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