What Made Tara Westover's Father So Controlling?

The intricate dynamics of family relationships, especially those marked by control and manipulation, are complex and multifaceted. Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated,” offers a compelling narrative that delves into her upbringing in a survivalist family, providing insight into the controlling behaviors of her father, Gene Westover. To understand what made Tara’s father so controlling, it’s essential to explore the intersection of his beliefs, upbringing, and the societal context in which he lived.

Gene Westover’s worldview was deeply rooted in a fundamentalist interpretation of Mormonism, intertwined with survivalist ideologies. This unique blend of religious and political beliefs emphasized self-sufficiency, distrust of government and institutions, and a strong belief in preparing for the end of the world. Such convictions often led to isolationist tendencies, where the family’s compound in rural Idaho became a self-contained universe, shielded from the perceived evils of the outside world. This isolation, while aimed at protecting the family, also served as a tool for control, limiting the family members’ exposure to alternative perspectives and voices of dissent.

The survivalist movement, with its emphasis on preparation for catastrophic events and the eventual collapse of society, can foster a sense of urgency and paranoia. This mindset may have contributed to Gene Westover’s controlling behavior, as he saw himself as the guardian of his family’s survival and well-being in a dangerous world. His need to control every aspect of their lives was, in his view, a necessary measure to ensure their safety and salvation. This perspective is exemplified through his strict rules regarding education, healthcare, and interaction with the outside world, all of which were tightly controlled to conform to his beliefs.

Moreover, Gene Westover’s past experiences and upbringing likely played a significant role in shaping his controlling nature. Although specific details about his childhood are less highlighted in “Educated,” it’s clear that his vision for his family was influenced by a desire for autonomy and a reaction against what he perceived as the oppressive nature of mainstream society. This desire for independence and self-reliance, while admirable in many contexts, can become distorted when taken to extremes, leading to a scenario where individual freedoms within the family are severely curtailed.

The psychological aspect of control is also worth exploring. Individuals who exhibit controlling behavior often do so as a means of coping with their own fears and anxieties. For Gene Westover, the world outside his family’s rural compound was fraught with danger, from the perceived evils of public education and the medical establishment to the government itself. By exerting total control over his family, he may have been attempting to create a bubble of safety and predictability in a world he saw as chaotic and threatening.

Tara Westover’s journey, as detailed in “Educated,” is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, adaptation, and ultimately, transformation. Her path from being a girl who had never stepped into a classroom to becoming a Cambridge-educated scholar is a powerful narrative of self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge. Through her story, we gain insight not only into the complexities of her family dynamics but also into the broader themes of identity, belief, and the quest for understanding in a complex world.

In exploring what made Tara’s father so controlling, it becomes clear that his behavior was the result of a complex interplay between his religious beliefs, survivalist ideologies, personal experiences, and psychological needs. This mix of factors created a unique environment within the Westover family, one that was marked by both a strong sense of unity and purpose, and a disturbing level of control and isolation. As we reflect on this story, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the recognition that even in the most challenging of circumstances, there is always the potential for growth, change, and the pursuit of a different path.

The story of Tara Westover and her family serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of considering the multifaceted nature of human behavior and the complex interplay of factors that contribute to our beliefs and actions. By examining the intersections of belief, experience, and psychological needs, we can gain a deeper understanding of what drives individuals like Gene Westover and the impact their behaviors have on those around them.

In conclusion, the factors contributing to Gene Westover’s controlling behavior are complex and multifaceted, reflecting a combination of his beliefs, experiences, and psychological needs. By exploring these factors and considering the broader implications of controlling behavior, we can foster a deeper understanding of the human experience and the importance of empathy, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge in overcoming adversity.