In this impassioned book, Dana Mack exposes a disturbing aspect of American society. Embedded in the very institutions that are supposed to be helping parents in the difficult enterprise of childrearing is a pronounced anti-family bent. Despite the fuss over “family values,” Mack argues, were living in an increasingly family hating culture that offers little respect or support for parents that in fact undermines their efforts at a time when they are working harder than ever to raise their children right. Parental autonomy has been supplanted by the tyranny of so-called experts in psychology, education, law, and social science. Under their sway, the very institutions that could help parents to shore up their embattled authority schools, courts, social service agencies, even religious institutions actively thwart them instead.
“A passionate cri de coeur, “The Assault on Parenthood” will generate debate and deepen our consideration of a whole range of controversial questions, but Macks overall thesis that American culture has become profoundly unfriendly to parent and children, our syrupy nostrums and outraged protestations to the contrary notwithstanding seems to me beyond dispute. The question now is what do we do about it in a way that is both fair and forthright,” Jean Betghke Elshtain, author of “Democracy on Trail.”
“In this devastating critique of contemporary culture, Dana Mack shows how we have waged a veritable war against moms and dads. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the well-being of Americas children,” Sylvia Ann Hewlett, President of “The National Parenting Association,” economist and author.
