Concerted cultivation is a parenting style characterized by high levels of involvement and support in a child's extracurricular and academic activities. This style of parenting involves actively cultivating the development and growth of a child through structured activities and experiences, such as enrolling them in organized sports or music lessons, helping with homework, and actively fostering their development of social skills and relationships.
The concept of concerted cultivation was first introduced by sociologist Annette Lareau in her 1989 book "Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life." Lareau observed that middle-class and upper-class families were more likely to engage in concerted cultivation, while working-class and poor families were more likely to adopt an opposing parenting style known as "natural growth."
Natural growth is characterized by a more laissez-faire approach to parenting, with a focus on allowing children to develop and grow at their own pace without as much structured support or involvement. This approach tends to be more common among families with less socio-economic privilege, who may not have the same resources or access to organized activities and opportunities as more affluent families.
Lareau argued that concerted cultivation has a number of benefits for children, including increased academic achievement and success in school, as well as better social and emotional development. Children who are exposed to a wide range of activities and experiences are more likely to develop a sense of self-confidence, independence, and social competence.
However, concerted cultivation can also have drawbacks. It can be time-consuming and expensive, and may put pressure on both children and parents to perform at a high level. Some critics have argued that it can also create a sense of entitlement and entitlement among children, as they become used to having their needs and wants met by their parents.
Overall, concerted cultivation is a parenting style that involves actively supporting and nurturing a child's development through structured activities and experiences. While it can have many benefits, it is important for parents to be mindful of the potential drawbacks and to find a balance that works for their family.
