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Meaning

Posted by Word Camel on February 28, 2002

In Reply to: Meaning posted by Stephanie on February 28, 2002

: What does it mean when someone says, "it takes a village to raise a child"?

It expresses the idea that to raise a child well requires a measure of collective adult responsibility for setting limits, taking care of children, regardless of whose child it might be and even when parents aren't around. It also implies a reciprocal trust of other adults on the part of parents.

Hillary Clinton popularized it by using this in several speeches both while Bill Clinton was in office and now, during her senate career. It is, allegedly, an African probverb - though I'd not put it past Washington spin doctors to 'invent' proverbs as required.

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