Spock, Benjamin

Benjamin Spock (1903–1998) was a world-renowned pediatrician and the author of several books on infant and childcare. He is considered one of the most influential figures who shaped child-rearing trends and parenting culture in the post–World War II period. At the time of his death, his already classic parenting guidebook Baby and Child Care had sold more than 50 million copies and been translated into 40 languages. This entry provides an overview of Spock’s life, his distinguished career as a pediatrician and scholar, and major works. It will also discuss major influences that shaped Spock’s parenting philosophy, the significance of his views as reflected in Baby and Child Care, and major lines of criticism directed toward his advice to parents.