Political Socialization and Children

[Chomskyan]

Since we are all Leftists on this here forum, I wonder how that plays a role in Socialization of young ones?

Do you think, as egalitarians, that it's wrong to socialize your youth to think ideologically? Or is it good? (I feel that it could be considered brainwashing or conditioning, which scares me a little.)

Just a thought, I'm interested in how "egalitarianism" (and therefore the freedom, liberty, rights and self-autonomy of children) relates to how children should be raised to understand the world around them, and politics?

[consuming negativity]

there is a big difference between brainwashing and socialization

we can't not socialize our children in the environments we have created for them; that's not only impossible, but extremely undesirable, considering that even the acquisition of language is political, politicized, and inseparable from the society in which we live and all of the baggage that comes with that

that you are even considering this seriously, to me, says that you'd probably be a pretty good parent. at least by the standards of our society.

[Illegalitarian]

I think it's important to instill our values in our children at a very young age, and then possibly introduce them to our politics when they're old enough to understand them.

A logical respect for that and those who are worthy of it, compassion, love, conviction, and virtue are all important values, not only any good leftist, but to any good human being.


Indoctrination in the way the right often does to children, however, is disgusting and could only serve to make a damaged human being, so no, we must steer clear of treating our children as we would someone in the learning section of these forums.

[tribble]

I think the most important thing to teach children is the capacity for independent critical thought, rather than specific ideology or politics. I have 2 main reasons for (trying to) take this approach in my own parenting:

1. kids rebel - preach and they will get bored. Let them form their own opinions, and they will be incredibly chuffed when you validate them by either agreeing, or showing you think they are worthy of respectful debate (no need to destroy confidence of children)
2. We don't know what is in the future - we may think we know the best approach to politics, but our children will be better placed than us to understand the conditions which they will be active members of the polis in. It is therefore important to teach them how not to be brainwashed, how to approach things critically (and to distinguish criticism from cynicism) and maybe a sense of ethics and integrity

However there are a few specific things which were forced down my throat and quite rightly so, which I have passed on:
1. racism and sexism and all oppression are wrong - racist jokes are not funny, using the word 'gay' inappropriately will earn you a bollocking whether everyone else does it or not etc etc
2. don't cross a picket line
3. its OK to take kids on appropriate political activity even if its as boring as going to Tesco. Neither kills them, but only one will let them know such activity is possible should they feel so inclined in the future.

and probably other lines which are not to be crossed under my roof by children or visitors. Apart from that I try (try) to encourage some individual thought. At 11 my son had to write an essay weighing up the pros and cons of something - he chose the 11+ (good) and ended up saying that on balance it is a good thing (sigh) I let him know I didn't agree but put more effort into praising the arguments he considered and developed. He only really landed on the pro side because he is so happy at his cosy grammar school, and he is 11. And maybe wanted a good mark!
Another example is we read animal farm in the car on a long road trip. The temptation would be to analyse it as you go along, relating it to specific events and pulling out the 'rules' and historical lessons it reflects. But that makes it very boring. When I asked my partner to stop doing that, it turned out the eldest had enough imagination to come to his own sensible conclusions about the story, and probably enjoyed it a lot more too.
I will have to wait until they leave home and reflect on their upbringing to know what they really made of its political dimensions I guess.