Adults Quote by Sandra Scarr
“All in all, the communally reared children of Israel are far from the emotional disasters that psychoanalytic theory predicted. Neither have they been saved from all personality problems, as the founders of the kibbutz movement had hoped when they freed children from their parents. In any reasonable environment, children seem to grow up to be themselves. There is no evidence that communal rearing with stimulating, caring adults is either the ruination or the salvation of children.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Social Psychology of the Kibbutz, 1972
Communal childrearing does not cause the extreme emotional problems once predicted, nor does it guarantee perfect outcomes.
In simple terms: Communal upbringing isn’t a cure‑all or a disaster.
Recognize that supportive environments matter more than structure alone.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education policy
- family counseling
- community planning
- child welfare programs
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does adult support shape child outcomes?
- What factors beyond community affect development?
Communal settings can still produce varied personality issues despite care.