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These groups [of disaffected youth] are not small, and…

“These groups [of disaffected youth] are not small, and they will grow larger. Certainly they are suffering. Demonstrably they are not getting enough out of our wealth and civilization. They are failing to assimilate much of the culture. As was predictable, most of the authorities and all of the…” quote by Paul Goodman
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““These groups [of disaffected youth] are not small, and they will grow larger. Certainly they are suffering. Demonstrably they are not getting enough out of our wealth and civilization. They are failing to assimilate much of the culture. As was predictable, most of the authorities and all of the public spokesmen explain it by saying there has been a failure of socialization. They say that the background conditions have interrupted socialization and must be improved. And, not enough effort has been made to guarantee belonging, there must be better bait or punishment. But perhaps there has not been a failure to communicate. Perhaps the social message has been communicated clearly to the young men and is unacceptable. In this book I shall therefore take the opposite tack and ask, 'Socialization to what? to what dominant society and available culture?' And if this question is asked, we must at once ask the other question, 'Is the harmonious organization to which the young are inadequately socialized, perhaps against human nature, or not worthy of human nature, and therefore there is difficulty in growing up?' If this is so, the disaffection of the young is profound and it will not be finally remediable by better techniques of socializing. Instead, there will have to be changes in our society and its culture, so as to meet the appetites and capacities of human nature, in order to grow up.””

Paul Goodman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Youth disaffection stems from a mismatch between societal expectations and human nature, not merely a lack of socialization.

In simple terms: Society must adapt to human nature, not force people into it.

Key Takeaway

Rethink societal norms for youth.

Themes

culture human nature socialization education

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • schools
  • policy making
  • community programs
  • family dynamics

Key Concepts

sociology philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What aspects of culture clash with youth needs?
  • How can institutions evolve without losing identity?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep cultural values is slow and contested.

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