The Price of Privilege

In this ground-breaking book on the children of affluence, a well-known clinical psychologist exposes the epidemic of emotional problems that are disabling America’s privileged youth, thanks, in large part, to normalized, intrusive parenting that stunts the crucial development of the self.

In recent years, numerous studies have shown that bright, charming, seemingly confident and socially skilled teenagers from affluent, loving families are experiencing epidemic rates of depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders—rates higher than in any other socioeconomic group of American adolescents. Materialism, pressure to achieve, perfectionism, and disconnection are combining to create a perfect storm that is devastating children of privilege and their parents alike.

In this eye-opening, provocative, and essential book, clinical psychologist Madeline Levine explodes one child-rearing myth after another. With empathy and candor, she identifies toxic cultural influences and well-intentioned, but misguided, parenting practices that are detrimental to a child's healthy self-development. Her thoughtful, practical advice provides solutions that will enable parents to help their emotionally troubled "star" child cultivate an authentic sense of self.

Madeline Levine, PhD, is a psychologist, consultant, and educator; the author of the New York Times bestsellers Teach Your Children Well and The Price of Privilege; and a cofounder of Challenge Success, a project of the Stanford School of Education that addresses education reform, student well-being, and parent education. She is also a consultant to BDT & Company, a merchant bank that advises and invests in founder- and family-led companies. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and is the proud mother of three adult sons and a newly minted granddaughter.

“Useful...clear, sensitive...” — Publisher's Weekly

“In this insightful book, Levine eschews the temptation to dismiss problems of privileged teens as overindulgence.” — Book List

“[Written] with clarity and understanding of the culture of affluence and its pitfalls for parents.” — Library Journal

“Fresh and important ideas about parenting in the age of affluence…” — Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of Reviving Ophelia

“Levine offers chapter after chapter of practical advice for dealing with family problems.” — Connecticut Post Online

“[Madeline Levine’s] ideas may be uncomfortable for parents to read, but they’re a wonderful wake-up call.” — Bay Area Insider

“Levine’s book explores some troubling and intriguing issues that certainly are worth pondering and discussing.” — Marin Independent Journal

“She treats her subjects as well as her subject with compassion and understanding.” — Chicago Tribune

“...[an] impassioned wake-up call to parents...” — The Gazette (Montreal)

“This book has resonated in affluent communities all over the country. [Levine is] clearly on to something.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Her writing is warm and carefully thoughtful.” — Toronto Star

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