On Wed, 26 Jan 2005, joanna bujes wrote:
>> Miles Jackson cqmv at pdx.edu, Wed Jan 26 13:18:12 PST 2005:
>>
>>> Family relations are an interesting example that (to some degree)
>>> undermines Justin's argument. According to any rational assessment of
>>> incentives and investment, raising children is an awful decision. They're
>>> a huge economic liability, they divert time and energy from other creative
>>> and potentially productive activities, they require constant psychological
>>> and social support. Perhaps in the past, people could say, "I raised
>>> them, and in my dotage they'll look after me"; however, I know few people
>>> who believe this today (I certainly don't expect it of my kids!). In sum,
>>> there are few or no tangible incentives for parents to raise kids.
>>
> This makes no sense to me. Raising kids is one of the most
> interesting/fascinating/rewarding/stimulating things I've ever done. Compared
> to hanging out with repressed/fucked up/totally fake/anxious grownups,
> hanging out with kids is a hoot. They still know how to play; they are still
> open; they can still love; and they are very forgiving.
>
> How can you beat that?
>
> Joanna
No, that's my point: we don't need external incentives to participate in family life, because it's intrinsically rewarding and interesting. I think this spirit can be usefully applied in many social contexts, not just in family relations.
Miles