Punished by Rewards

The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes

By: Alfie Kohn

Narrated by: Alfie Kohn

The basic strategy we use for raising children, teaching students, and managing workers can be summarized in six words: Do this and you'll get that. We dangle goodies (from candy bars to sales commissions) in front of people in much the same way we train the family pet.

Drawing on a wealth of psychological research, Alfie Kohn points the way to a more successful strategy based on working with people instead of doing things to them. "Do rewards motivate people?" asks Kohn. "Yes. They motivate people to get rewards." Seasoned with humor and familiar examples, Punished by Rewards presents an argument unsettling to hear but impossible to dismiss.

©1993 Alfie Kohn (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A clear, convincing demonstration of the shortcomings of pop-behaviorism, written with style, humor, and authority." ( Kirkus)

Skeptical at first, I've been won over

I began this book skeptical of Kohn's thesis. I was going to listen with an open mind, but in a world full of people spending 40 hours or more a week chasing a paycheck, I anticipated to be presented with a half-baked theory that stretched thin evidence past limits of sober credulity sprinkled with powerful -- if not quite believable -- anecdotes. Instead, Kohn makes a compelling case, and if anything, the numerous research citations become tiring. If the reader perseveres, Kohn goes on to describe alternative approaches to parenting, teaching, and leadership. This isn't a page-turning beach read, but Kohn has successfully convinced me that some deeply held beliefs are misguided and pointed the path to a better way. And I'm already seeing some small successes in applying these lessons to my everyday life. I'm very glad I purchased this book.

Validating.

I have felt very awkward about awards my entire life and never have responded comfortably to praise. I always cringe. Turns out I am not neurotypical and I have two autistic children that sent me down the path of investigating behavioral therapy methods. I am truly grateful for the validation this book has provided for me and wholeheartedly agree with it.

It’s a must

If you are a parent, teacher or manager, this audiobook should be your top priority.

A necessity for any teacher, that is, anyone

I'll save you from a description, since the book basically is a blast right from the start. However, two minor criticisms I have: - Some chapters are a bit repetitive or very similar to previous ones - I wish he had invested a bit more time and effort into citing more references, specially in citing other books from which to continue our journey in this topic

A listen for every parent and teacher

I wish I would have read this book when it first came out. I spent years trying to convince others that rewards and punishments don’t work.

Sage knowledge!

A must read for all parents, educators, and managers. I am glad I got to this book before my child is out of the house!

Pure Gold! Priceless Wisdom

Alfie Kohn is my new hero. This is coming from a reader Who was subjected to extreme punishment and reward style coercion as a teenager, as my parents had decided to send me to a Highly abusive behavioral modification program for 11 months. That experience was the worst torture of my life resulting in CPTSD amongst many other detrimental psychiatric conditions. This book is the most validating thing I have ever read! It explains exactly why I felt so dehumanized and exploited in that program because it talks about how people are naturally disgusted by the manipulative organizations who Control their behavior by carrot and stick style motivation. It made me think about my childhood upbringing and recall the disrespect I felt from parents who believed it their right to constantly evaluate my Every choice and action, and the wedge it drove between us in the parent-child relationship. This is one of my favorite books of all time! Thank you so much Alfie Kohn :) This book offers great wisdom to parents, employers, and anybody else with an underlying interest in controlling other peoples lives. Funny guy too!

Excellent alternatives presented.

The author discusses many excellent points about how rewards and punishments are simply masking the real underlying problems of why children misbehave. He backs this up with much statistical data and gives good examples on ways to approach situations in a more meaningful way.

You did it!

I enjoyed listening and learning from this book. I believe I will be a better parent because of it.

Life changing

After 38 years of unknowingly being a behaviorist after excitedly learning how I could manipulate people to get a particular behavior, I am now aware of the shallow, non-lasting, resentful, controlling, compliance-only inducements I have so effortfully practiced. I wish I had learned this sooner. I’m a different person now after reading this book. Truly.