Abstract
Abstract
This chapter investigates the relationship between friendship and a good childhood. It argues that although the nature and value of friendship remains the same across all life stages, the governing conditions that apply to friendships are somewhat different in childhood and adulthood. This means that some of the moral reasons that count against adult friendships won’t count against childhood friendships. The main upshot of this discussion is that parents must carve out a great deal of space for children to pursue the friendships they care deeply about, even when their friends engage in behavior parents disapprove of. Moreover, parents must take on moderate costs in order to support children in the pursuit of those friendships they cannot pursue on their own.
Publisher
Oxford University PressNew York
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