Should we do what we are told? Parents today value tolerant, well-mannered, imaginative children — who are not afraid of standing up to authority. Is this always a good idea?
All change! Obedience out. Imagination in
Should we do what we are told? Parents today value tolerant, well-mannered, imaginative children - who are not afraid of standing up to authority. Is this always a good idea?
"We're told we have to do what we're told, but surely sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty." So sings Matilda in a recent musical adaptation of the famous book by Roald DahlA 20th Century British novelist and children's writer. His books have sold more than 250 million copies. .
This notion might have shocked many parents for a long time. Traditionally, children were expected to be seen and not heard. However, a new survey suggests that British parents no longer prioritise obedience as they did 30 years ago.
This survey, conducted by the Policy Institute at King's College London, reveals that today's parents value good manners and tolerance as their top priorities for their children, followed by independence, hard work and responsibility. Obedience has now fallen to tenth place, down from ranking fifth in 1990.
Researchers believe that this shift reflects the UK's move toward a more liberalLiberalism is a school of political thought that stresses individual liberty. Liberals believe that society should not try to impose values or behaviours on individuals but should be tolerant of different lifestyles. A leading exponent of liberal thought was the 19th-century English philosopher John Stuart Mill, the author of the classic work On Liberty. and individualisticMore interested in individuals rather than society as a whole. society. Dr. Claire Crawford-Young, one of the researchers, notes, "In the past, obedience was seen as a means to ensure that children would grow up to be law-abiding citizens. But today, we place more emphasis on children developing their own sense of right and wrong."
Additionally, the survey highlights that British parents place a higher value on independence and imagination in their children compared to parents in other countries. This shift is likely influenced by the changing nature of work, which demands adaptability and creativity.
Dr. Crawford-Young emphasises the importance of teaching children to think for themselves and generate new ideas from a young age, as these skills will be crucial in the future.
The decline in the emphasis on obedience has sparked differing opinions. Some view it negatively, fearing that it may lead to increased selfishness and disrespect among children. Others see it as positive, allowing children to develop independence and self-reliance. This change in parental values may also require adjustments in the education system.
Educational theorists like Paulo FreireA Brazilian philosopher and educator. He advocated critical pedagogy: the idea that teaching should encourage students to think about power structures and inequality. have long argued against the traditional view of education, which treats students as passiveAccepting or allowing things to happen, without actively responding or resisting. recipients of knowledge. They advocate for active student participation, independent thinking and challenging authority.
The declining emphasis on obedience reflects evolving societal values. While it signifies progress in terms of open-mindedness and tolerance, it also raises concerns about potentially raising overly independent children who may disregard authority. Striking a balance between obedience and independence is now a central consideration for parents and society as a whole.
Should we do what we are told?
Yes: There are times when it is important to obey authority, such as when it is necessary to protect ourselves or others from harm. Following instructions can help us to achieve our goals and to work effectively with others.
No: We should not blindly obey authority. We should always think for ourselves and question orders that we believe are wrong. We should not obey orders that violate our rights or our values.
Or... Whether or not we should do what we are told depends on the specific situation. We should weigh the potential benefits and risks of obedience before making a decision. We should also consider the source of the authority.
Keywords
Roald Dahl - A 20th Century British novelist and children's writer. His books have sold more than 250 million copies.
Liberal - Liberalism is a school of political thought that stresses individual liberty. Liberals believe that society should not try to impose values or behaviours on individuals but should be tolerant of different lifestyles. A leading exponent of liberal thought was the 19th-century English philosopher John Stuart Mill, the author of the classic work On Liberty.
Individualistic - More interested in individuals rather than society as a whole.
Paulo Freire - A Brazilian philosopher and educator. He advocated critical pedagogy: the idea that teaching should encourage students to think about power structures and inequality.
Passive - Accepting or allowing things to happen, without actively responding or resisting.
All change! Obedience out. Imagination in
Glossary
Roald Dahl - A 20th Century British novelist and children's writer. His books have sold more than 250 million copies.
Liberal - Liberalism is a school of political thought that stresses individual liberty. Liberals believe that society should not try to impose values or behaviours on individuals but should be tolerant of different lifestyles. A leading exponent of liberal thought was the 19th-century English philosopher John Stuart Mill, the author of the classic work On Liberty.
Individualistic - More interested in individuals rather than society as a whole.
Paulo Freire - A Brazilian philosopher and educator. He advocated critical pedagogy: the idea that teaching should encourage students to think about power structures and inequality.
Passive - Accepting or allowing things to happen, without actively responding or resisting.