I am very happy about your contribution on this subject!

It has been my perception for a reasonable amount of time
that media outlets are quick to blame children, parents,
teachers, social workers and others for poor educational
outcomes in a revolving cycle.

However, I believe that, as you have pointed out, there are
manifold influences on physical, cognitive and social
development even though care takers are probably the
group that spend the most time with growing children.

I would disagree with Mr Finkelstein that genetics have a
direct influence on one’s parenting style. I think such a
claim is not warranted given our lack of data on the subject -
and perhaps even parenting itself might not be understood
well enough as a topic in cognition to support this discourse.
[See, for instance, Rosoff, P. M. (2010). In Search of the mommy
gene: Truth and consequences in behavioral genetics. Science,
Technology & Human Values, 25(2), pp. 200-243.]

Personally, I would also argue that excessive individualism,
which may exist in some corners of the British society, can
have a detrimental effect on the upbringing of the next
generation. I would say, for instance, that it enables the
legislation for a reduction in welfare, health, childcare and
educational spending in place of more mundane pet projects.
But I must admit, I have little evidence to substantiate this point.

Steffen