No Child Locator for the Elite

Opposition to a child locator among the professional middle class drew on two distinct themes, both of which are in some way linked to the commit­ment to parenting out of control. Elite parents are noticeably affronted by
the notion that they would not always be aware of what their children are doing and what they need; because they make responsiveness and availability key components of their parenting style, they are sensitive to the slightest hint that they might not always be attentive. They are equally bothered by the notion that control itself should rest on external constraint rather than parental guidance toward appropriate behavior. Theirs is a style that requires that parents be always ready to make assessments about children’s capabilities, wants, and needs.