Sociologist Nina Bandelj, author of the new book Overinvested: The Emotional Economy of Modern Parenting, joins us for a wonderful, perspective-altering converstation about how and why modern parenthood feels the way it feels. She unpacks for us how raising kids has become a project, how kids became ‘human capital,’ and what it means that parenthood is privatized, economized, and (a new word for us!) “emotionalized.” Turns out, “just wanting your kids to be happy” is a goal that’s perhaps not as laid-back as it seems.
Plus, tons of culture recs, including the new Robyn album, Sexistential, and Sarah’s recently upgraded nail game.
Links:
* Pricing the Priceless Child by Viviana A. Selizer
* Thinking Like an Economist by Elizabeth Popp Berman
* Lenore Skenazy
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