Doing Right by Children: Reflections on the Nature of Childhood and the Obligations of Parenthood (Paragon Issues in Philosophy) [Paperback]

William B. Irvine (Author)

Book Description

Series: Paragon Issues in Philosophy | Publication Date: January 15, 2001

Doing Right by Children begins with an examination of the concept of childhood and how this concept has changed over the centuries. Once treated as a form of property were created out of a family's need for labor, by 1950, American parents had come to think of themselves as stewards looking out for the best interests of their children. In the 1960s, though, the status of children began to decline, as parents grew increasingly reluctant to put the interests of their children ahead of their own desires. Doing Right by Children investigates various ethical issues regarding the parent/child relationship. Among the questions it attempts to answer are these: What kind of upbringing do parents owe their children? What are the proper goals of parenting? How would we structure families if our primary interest were the well-being of children? Doing Right by Children offers a spirited defense of the stewardship model of parenting. It challenges the now-commonplace view that the freedom of parents-to pursue, for example career or sexual fulfillment-should not be sacrificed to the interests of their children.>

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William B. Irvine has written widely on issues in public policy and applied ethics. It was these research interests, combined with his own experiences as a parent, which led him to write Doing Right by Children. Dr. Irvine is currently associate professor of philosophy at Wright State University, in Dayton, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two children. >

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Paragon House (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557787980
• ISBN-13: 978-1557787989
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,896,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doing Right By Children by William B. Irvine, May 21, 2001

By 

Carol F. Samson "Book Review Editor, THE INFO... (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Doing Right by Children: Reflections on the Nature of Childhood and the Obligations of Parenthood (Paragon Issues in Philosophy) (Paperback)

Take a look at the astonishing abuses children have been subjected to throughout the ages. Mr. Irvine exposes the cruelties children have incurred from the 1700's to modern day. Chimney sweeps and coal mine "donkeys", child movie stars and gymnists; European, Asian, American degradations. He suggests that parenthood needs to be examined more closely. Only persons who are committed to making personal sacrifices should consider parenthood. This is a must-read book recommended by The Informed Parent web site. Carol Samson, Book Review Editor

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't even get started, February 13, 2011

By 

T. Ulrich "tdulrich" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Doing Right by Children: Reflections on the Nature of Childhood and the Obligations of Parenthood (Paragon Issues in Philosophy) (Paperback)

Big fan of the author, read his books on desires and Stoicism which led me to seek out his two books on children. Pretty much seemed like a depressing catalog of every wrong done to kids since the dark ages, and it's apparent that we're heading back to that in some degree. Any point to reading this harbinger of doom? Better that I spend the time playing Scrabble with my kids.