Parade: Philosopher Plato Had a Surprisingly Modern View of Raising Girls, Psychologist Says
Featuring Dr. Amy Marschall, licensed psychologist and consultant with Mentavi Health. Published in Parade.
This article looks at how Plato’s views on raising and educating girls compare with modern ideas about parenting. Plato lived in ancient Greece, where girls and boys were expected to be raised and taught very differently. Even so, he argued that girls and boys with the same abilities should get the same education.
In the article, Dr. Marschall offers a psychologist’s view. She notes that children build their sense of who they are and what they can do partly from the feedback of the adults around them, so limiting opportunities by sex can affect how children see themselves. She also points out that Plato’s views are not simple. He challenged gender limits, but his reasoning rested on what girls could contribute to society, not on the idea that every person has worth in their own right.
Raising a child comes with many questions, from safety to fairness to what to encourage. Advice from different sources can feel like it points in different directions. Looking at old ideas can give a fresh angle, but they were shaped by their time, and they don’t answer every modern question.
A few ideas from child psychology fit this discussion. Children often take cues about what they can do from the adults around them. Giving children chances to try different activities, and encouraging effort, may help them build confidence. Every child is different, so what works for one family may not work for another.
If you are worried about a child’s mood, behavior, or wellbeing, a pediatrician or a licensed clinician can help you decide on next steps.
Dr. Amy Marschall, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and consultant with Mentavi Health.
About Mentavi Health: Mentavi Health is an evidence-based telehealth company specializing in mental health care. Its mission is to make evidence-based mental health care affordable and accessible.
Read the full article in Parade: Philosopher Plato Had a Surprisingly Modern View of Raising Girls, Psychologist Says
