Author

Alfie Kohn

16 key ideas across 2 books, each explained in our own words.

Punished by Rewards

IDEA 1
Rewards can undermine motivation
Kohn argues that rewards, such as stickers, grades, praise and bonuses, often reduce people's interest in what they are doing. Over time, he says, people come to care more about the reward than the task.
IDEA 2
Behaviourism shaped rewards
Kohn traces the use of rewards to behaviourism, associated with B. F. Skinner. He argues this approach treats people like trained animals. In his view, this idea has been applied in schools and workplaces for decades without much questioning.
IDEA 3
Interest declines
Kohn cites studies showing that people rewarded for an activity often lose interest once the reward stops. In his account, rewards can turn an activity into a chore done for the prize, and the original pleasure fades away.

IDEA 1
Love should not depend on behaviour
Kohn argues that many common parenting methods teach children that they are loved only when they behave well. He believes children need to feel loved unconditionally, for who they are.
IDEA 2
Control can backfire
Kohn criticises methods aimed at controlling children's behaviour. He argues they may produce obedience but not understanding. In his view, a child who only does things to please or avoid trouble may not learn why they matter.
IDEA 3
Withdrawing love harms
Kohn argues that punishments such as time-outs can feel to children like withdrawal of love. This, he says, can cause anxiety. In his view, a child may take the message to be that love depends on good behaviour.

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