How economic inequality gives rise to hyper-parenting
“It’s easy to see why. If inequality is low and schools in different areas are roughly the same caliber (these two things often go hand in hand, though not always), children’s grades won’t do much to shape their future material comfort; the kids will enjoy a similar standard of living whether or not they achieve high marks. Parents are more likely to conclude that happiness lies in finding a career suited to one’s personality and interests, and encourage creative exploration toward finding it. But if inequality is high, parents will perceive that their children must outpace their peers to be comfortable in the future. The importance of achievement rises.”