Questions About The Children of the Dream: Communal Child-Rearing and American Education

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Children of the Dream, please sign up.

Answered Questions (2)

Could you tell me what the book is about. Did you like it?

Ilana A very interesting analysis published in 1969 by child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim summarizing what he learned about the child-rearing practices of …moreA very interesting analysis published in 1969 by child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim summarizing what he learned about the child-rearing practices of an Israeli kibbutz, based on his seven-week stay at the right-wing Atid in 1964. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book was his speculation concerning the motivations of the first-generation kibbutzniks. Framing their ideals as a rebellion against the roles their parents had played in European societies, he specifically focused on the avoidance of the traditional nurturing and controlling role of the Jewish mother in the development of their new child-rearing programs.

Bettelheim followed the parenting and educational kibbutz program from infancy to young adulthood, contrasting at each stage childhood experiences of kibbutzim children with those of middle class children in American cities. His emphasis of age-group dependence and loyalty made it difficult for me to not visualize them as the scary children in the movie Village of the Damned.

The author wondered if the spirit of the kibbutz could continue in succeeding generations. The parents were seen as heroes, who had helped transform a desolate area into productive farmland, and also played a crucial role in the creation of the state of Israel. He doubted the children, due to their upbringing, could ever find similar heroic roles for themselves, or could even have the propensity to seek them. I'll now have to find more recent information on the fate of the kibbutzim to assess his concerns. (less)

flag

What did you learn from the book by Bethlehem, “Children Of The Dream?” Who are those children he writes about? Read it. You might be able to learn about something you never heard of... Good read :)

Ilana I am one of those children. I was born in Israel and was raised in a kibbutz. I didn’t learn much from the book. Also I do not agree with some of his …moreI am one of those children. I was born in Israel and was raised in a kibbutz. I didn’t learn much from the book. Also I do not agree with some of his view points. We were considered as the best, the strongest and the privileged, at least that is what we were told. We had nothing in common with middle class children in America, but contrary to what the viewer above wrote (it isn’t me who wrote it. I took it from a review by...) were not scary children. On the contrary, we were brave, strong and healthy. Perhaps even happy...
It was the most unique upbringing... ask more if you wish to know more :)(less)

flag

Unanswered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more