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Doing the best for one's child: satisficing versus optimizing parentalism
1City College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA. jblustein@ccny.cuny.edu
Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
|May 17, 2012
Summary
The principle that parents must optimize their child's best interests creates significant burdens and societal issues. A new theory, "satisficing parentalism," offers a more morally sound approach to child-rearing.
Area of Science:
- Parenting Studies
- Ethics
- Social Policy
Background:
- The widely accepted principle that parents should act in their child's best interests is examined.
- This principle, when taken to its extreme, presents significant challenges for parents and society.
- The concept of 'optimizing parentalism' is introduced as a problematic framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze the implications of 'optimizing parentalism'.
- To propose an alternative, more ethically viable theory of parenting.
- To introduce and defend 'satisficing parentalism' as a morally appealing framework.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of parenting principles.
- Ethical examination of parental obligations.
- Conceptual development of parenting theories.
Main Results:
- 'Optimizing parentalism' imposes excessive demands on parents.
- This approach has negative social implications when applied as national policy.
- 'Satisficing parentalism' is presented as a more morally sound alternative.
Conclusions:
- The pursuit of 'optimizing parentalism' is ethically and practically flawed.
- 'Satisficing parentalism' offers a more balanced and morally defensible approach to parenting.
- Rethinking parental best interests is crucial for individual well-being and social policy.
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