The Myth of Independence

Authors

  • Thomas Cottle Boston University

Abstract

Literally or symbolically, a generation of children have been left on their own a great deal to fend for themselves and have grown up believing that independence and autonomy are the cornerstones of mental health, while dependence is pathological. In fact these notions are pure myth. The very nature of human existence, steeped as it is in the fear of aloneness and insecurity, is one of human interdependence. Indeed, it is the myth of independence, that masks the reality that one's life force turns out to be all the other people in one's life. Unwittingly imbuing children with false independence prepares them for any separations or detachments, issues that child and youth workers must address as they help children build their identity and character.

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Published

2002-03-01

How to Cite

Cottle, T. . (2002). The Myth of Independence. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 17, 66–72. Retrieved from http://acycpjournal.pitt.edu/ojs/jcycw/article/view/326

Issue

Vol. 17 (2002)

Section

Contributions to Practice

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