Children Quote by David Elkind
“What we often take to be family values--the work ethic, honesty, clean living, marital fidelity, and individual responsibility--are in fact social, religious, or cultural values. To be sure, these values are transmitted by parents to their children and are familial in that sense. They do not, however, originate within the family. It is the value of close relationships with other family members, and the importance of these bonds relative to other needs.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Social Context of Child Development, 1995
Family values are actually broader cultural norms passed through families, not unique to them.
In simple terms: Family transmits society’s values, not its own.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the larger cultural influences on family life.
Themes
family
culture
socialization
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
sociological
educational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- community programs
Key Concepts
sociology
intergenerational transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural norms shape family expectations?
- Can families create distinct values within broader culture?
A Different Perspective
Families may resist acknowledging external influences.
