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One of the foundational ideas of American suburbanization, IMO, is this notion that children should not be in public spaces.
That the place for children is away from public life, under the watchful eye of a mother or teacher.
That the place for children is away from public life, under the watchful eye of a mother or teacher.
This is why there is an idea you need a yard if you have children. single family housing is the normative arrangement in the U.S. for childrearing.
Idea is children should not be in parks or streets. They should be in private spaces (yards), hidden from (untrustworthy) public
Idea is children should not be in parks or streets. They should be in private spaces (yards), hidden from (untrustworthy) public
1 bad outcome of this is that it Interrupts opportunities for parents to share childcare duties.
But also so much childrearing/children's lives is hidden from public view. The responsibility for them falls solely in parents (moms generally), paid professionals like teachers
But also so much childrearing/children's lives is hidden from public view. The responsibility for them falls solely in parents (moms generally), paid professionals like teachers
This also comes up with NIMBYs when anyone tries to built multi family housing in the suburbs.
Non hetronormative family types aren't supposed to have access to children in any way. Keeping multi family housing out of the suburbs "protects" children somehow.
Non hetronormative family types aren't supposed to have access to children in any way. Keeping multi family housing out of the suburbs "protects" children somehow.
I think it's just a shame overall. Kids are awesome and should be Integrated into mainstream culture.
But also when a crisis like this happens, all of the fallout falls on the nuclear family essentially. And that reduces the political impetus to act in the interests of children
But also when a crisis like this happens, all of the fallout falls on the nuclear family essentially. And that reduces the political impetus to act in the interests of children
Another problem with it, is it is premised on this family model -- stay at home mom, fully dedicated to childcare/domestic life -- that is SUPER outdated.
And children don't get to learn independence. And they don't get to learn firsthand about business (adult things), etc.
And children don't get to learn independence. And they don't get to learn firsthand about business (adult things), etc.
This is especially true when children are raised -- which is increasingly the norm -- in a bedroom community, that may not even have many businesses, institutions in it.
Another problem with this -- child in private under constant supervision -- is it requires a level of vigilance that is impossible for one or two people (mom usually) to sustain.
And then if there is any momentary lapse, something bad happens, we blame the mom/individual.
And then if there is any momentary lapse, something bad happens, we blame the mom/individual.
Another thing, sorry can't shut up, is that when we try to create places that keep young children isolated, they end up being very, very bad places for teenagers just a few years later.
