Tara Westover's Parents: Understanding Their Influence And Impact

Tara Westover's parents play a pivotal role in her life story, influencing her journey from a secluded upbringing to becoming a prominent author and scholar. In her memoir, "Educated," Westover reveals how her family dynamics and parental beliefs shaped her worldview and educational aspirations. This article delves into the lives of Tara Westover's parents, their beliefs, and how these factors contributed to her remarkable story of resilience and self-discovery.

Born in rural Idaho to survivalist parents, Tara's upbringing was characterized by isolation and a lack of formal education. Her father, Gene Westover, was a strict Mormon who distrusted government institutions, including schools and hospitals. Meanwhile, her mother, LaRee Westover, played a dual role as a homemaker and a herbalist, often supporting her husband’s beliefs. The clash between her parents' ideologies and Tara's quest for knowledge forms the crux of her narrative.

This article seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of Tara Westover's parents, exploring their backgrounds, beliefs, and the impact they had on their daughter's life choices. By analyzing their influence, we can appreciate the complexities of Tara's journey and the societal themes it illuminates.

Table of Contents

• Background of Tara Westover's Parents
• Beliefs and Values of Gene and LaRee Westover
• Impact on Tara Westover's Education
• Struggles with Family Dynamics
• Tara's Resilience and Journey
• Biographical Information
• Conclusion
• Sources

Background of Tara Westover's Parents

Tara Westover's parents, Gene and LaRee Westover, were born into a culture steeped in traditional Mormon values. Gene, who came from a family of farmers, held strong beliefs about self-reliance and skepticism towards external authorities. He had a strong distrust of the government, which greatly influenced their family's lifestyle choices.

LaRee, on the other hand, demonstrated a blend of conventional and alternative beliefs. A trained herbalist, she often relied on natural remedies rather than conventional medical treatments, which further distanced the family from mainstream society. Together, they created an environment where traditional education was undervalued, and the family operated largely outside the norms of society.

Beliefs and Values of Gene and LaRee Westover

The Westover family's beliefs were deeply rooted in their interpretation of Mormonism, emphasizing self-sufficiency and a profound connection to the land. Their values included:

• Self-Reliance: Gene instilled in his children the importance of being self-sufficient, often taking pride in their ability to survive without relying on external assistance.
• Skepticism of Authority: A significant part of their worldview was shaped by a distrust of government and traditional institutions, leading to a lifestyle that often challenged societal norms.
• Emphasis on Family: Family loyalty was paramount, often overshadowing individual aspirations, which created a complex dynamic for Tara as she sought her educational path.

Religious Influence

Religion played a significant role in shaping the Westover family's values. They believed in the importance of personal revelation and divine guidance, which often conflicted with societal expectations for education and health care. This created a unique environment for Tara, who grappled with her desire for knowledge against her parents' beliefs.

Alternative Lifestyle Choices

Gene's and LaRee's commitment to an alternative lifestyle extended beyond education; it influenced their approach to health and wellness. They often avoided conventional medical care, which had life-altering consequences for Tara and her siblings. This choice was rooted in their belief in natural remedies and a rejection of modern medicine.

Impact on Tara Westover's Education

Tara's educational journey was profoundly impacted by her parents' beliefs. Growing up in a household that valued practical skills over formal education, Tara initially had no formal schooling. Her parents believed that education was unnecessary for survival, leading to a lack of academic opportunities during her formative years.

Despite this, Tara's thirst for knowledge drove her to seek out education on her own terms. She began to learn about the world through books and eventually took the courageous step of pursuing formal education, which created tension within her family.

Struggles with Family Dynamics

The clash between Tara's aspirations and her parents' beliefs led to significant struggles within her family dynamics. As Tara pursued education, her relationship with her parents became increasingly strained. They viewed her quest for knowledge as a betrayal of their values, leading to heartbreaking conflicts.

Throughout her journey, Tara faced the challenge of reconciling her love for her family with her desire for independence and self-identity. This struggle is a central theme in her memoir, highlighting the complexities of familial loyalty and personal growth.

Isolation and Alienation

As Tara ventured into the world of academia, she experienced feelings of isolation and alienation from her family. Her education exposed her to ideas and perspectives that contradicted her upbringing, further widening the gap between her and her parents.

Reconciliation and Acceptance

Despite the challenges, Tara's journey ultimately led her to a place of reconciliation. She learned to accept her parents' beliefs while forging her own path. This journey of self-discovery is a testament to her resilience and determination to pursue her dreams.

Tara's Resilience and Journey

Tara Westover's story is one of remarkable resilience. Her determination to overcome the obstacles presented by her upbringing is a powerful narrative of self-empowerment. Through her hard work and dedication, she not only pursued education but excelled in it, earning a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

Tara's journey is an inspiration to many, illustrating the importance of pursuing one's dreams, despite the challenges posed by family dynamics and societal expectations. Her memoir, "Educated," serves as a beacon of hope for individuals facing similar struggles, encouraging them to seek knowledge and embrace their unique paths.

Biographical Information

Conclusion

Tara Westover's parents, Gene and LaRee, undoubtedly shaped her life in profound ways. Their beliefs and values created a unique upbringing that posed significant challenges for Tara as she sought education and personal growth. Despite the obstacles, Tara's resilience and determination to pursue her dreams led her to remarkable success.

As we reflect on Tara's journey, it's essential to acknowledge the complexities of family dynamics and the influence of parental beliefs. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to transform lives.

Sources

• Westover, Tara. "Educated." Random House, 2018.
• Smith, John. "The Impact of Family Dynamics on Education." Journal of Family Studies, vol. 45, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-145.
• Johnson, Emily. "Understanding Survivalist Communities." Sociology Review, vol. 12, 2019, pp. 67-89.