SOA Research Series: Dr. Maria Schmeeckle, “Rebels With a Cause: The Lifelong Impact of Children’s Rebellion against Parents”

As part of the Sociology and Anthropology Research Series, emerita associate professor of sociology Maria Schmeeckle will return to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to present a talk titled, “Rebels With a Cause: The Lifelong Impact of Children’s Rebellion against Parents.”

This talk presents findings from my qualitative sociological study of adults who rebelled in childhood against their parents or wanted to rebel but did not. Surprisingly, this topic has rarely been studied from children’s point-of-view or from a sociological perspective. In-depth interviews with 62 adults from diverse backgrounds enabled me to explore circumstances that motivated rebellion, actions children took, long-term consequences they encountered, challenges related to social categories, and the influences of historical and personal time. Drawing on participant examples, I present major findings in these areas. This talk will be of interest to social scientists, professionals who work with children, and anyone who has experienced childhood rebellion.