Child Rearing

Child Rearing
In the essay, Bringing Up Children, the author, Ruth Benedict, explores two methodologies of
child rearing -- American and Japanese. In examination of each culture’s techniques, we find that they are
in complete contrast of one another like their places on earth. Each system exemplifying one side of the
extremes. We are left to ponder which of the two ideals are superior. Which arrangement of life will
benefit the individual as well as society to a greater extent? The answer, however, lies not in the option
mentioned above. Rather, the ideal life structure for anyone to be risen by is that which combines the two
sides of the extremes thereby extracting the best of both worlds.
The American upbringing is described as a "U" by the author. In such circumstance, youth and
old age are the apexes of human constraint. The child is quickly taught through physical and psychological
means that their wishes are irrelevant to what their parents deem ‘ideal’ for them. With the passing of time
into adolescence and eventually adulthood, freedom is gradually fueled until financial independence is
achieved. However, independence and free will are slowly siphoned during the first signs of mental
deterioration at old age. One leaves the earth as they entered it -- under the care of others.
In sharp contrast, the Japanese mannerism of raising children is noted by Benedict as an upside
down ‘U’; depicting the level of restraints one will experience throughout...

Child Rearing

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