Who Are Tara Westover's Parents? A Deep Dive Into Her Family Background

Tara Westover's journey from a secluded upbringing to academic success is nothing short of remarkable. Born into a family that valued self-sufficiency and often rejected mainstream education, her story raises many questions about her parents and their influence on her life. In this article, we will explore who Tara Westover's parents are, the impact they had on her upbringing, and how their beliefs shaped her perspectives on education and society.

Understanding Tara Westover's family background is essential to grasping the complexities of her memoir, "Educated." Her parents, Gene and LaRee Westover, played significant roles in her formative years, instilling in her a unique worldview that would later be challenged by her pursuit of knowledge. In this exploration, we will delve into their backgrounds, beliefs, and the dynamics of their family life.

This article will provide an in-depth examination of Tara Westover's parents, their influence on her life, and how their decisions ultimately led her to question everything she had been taught. By the end, readers will gain a clearer understanding of the foundational elements that shaped one of the most compelling narratives of self-discovery and resilience in contemporary literature.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Tara Westover
• Background of Tara Westover's Parents
• Gene Westover: Tara's Father
• LaRee Westover: Tara's Mother
• Family Dynamics and Beliefs
• Impact of Parents on Tara Westover
• Tara's Educational Journey
• Conclusion

Biography of Tara Westover

Tara Westover is an American author and historian, best known for her memoir "Educated," which chronicles her life growing up in a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho. Born on September 27, 1986, Tara was raised in a family that followed the principles of self-reliance and was deeply skeptical of the government and formal education. Despite these challenges, Tara's quest for knowledge led her to ultimately earn a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge.

Background of Tara Westover's Parents

Tara Westover's parents, Gene and LaRee Westover, were influential figures in her life, both in their beliefs and their parenting style. Gene, a devoted survivalist, believed in preparing for catastrophic events and often kept his family isolated from the outside world. LaRee, on the other hand, was a homemaker who also contributed to the family's belief system, which emphasized self-reliance and distrust of formal institutions.

Both parents had limited formal education themselves. Gene had not completed high school and had a strong distrust of the educational system, which he viewed as a tool for government control. LaRee, having also not pursued higher education, was primarily focused on raising her children according to their family's values.

Gene Westover: Tara's Father

Gene Westover was a key figure in shaping Tara's early life. He was an avid believer in survivalism and home-schooling. Gene's beliefs were deeply rooted in a desire to protect his family from perceived threats, which included government intervention and societal influences. He often took his family away from public life, preferring to live in isolation on their farm.

• Survivalist Beliefs: Gene advocated for self-sufficiency, encouraging his children to learn practical skills such as farming, mechanics, and herbal medicine.
• Distrust of Education: He held a strong opposition to formal education, believing it was corrupt and dangerous.
• Influence on Tara: Gene's beliefs created a challenging environment for Tara as she sought knowledge outside of the home.

LaRee Westover: Tara's Mother

LaRee Westover played a unique role in Tara's upbringing, balancing her husband's strong beliefs with her own views on family and education. While she supported Gene's survivalist lifestyle, she was also interested in the well-being of her children and their emotional health.

• Motherly Instinct: LaRee often acted as a mediator between her children and Gene, trying to provide emotional support.
• Homeschooling: Despite their distrust of formal education, LaRee attempted to impart basic knowledge to her children at home.
• Religious Influence: LaRee's beliefs were intertwined with their family's Mormon faith, which further influenced their lifestyle and values.

Family Dynamics and Beliefs

The family dynamics in the Westover household were complex, characterized by strict adherence to their beliefs and a strong sense of loyalty among family members. However, this loyalty often came at the expense of individual growth and education.

• Isolation: The Westover family lived in relative isolation, limiting their exposure to differing viewpoints and ideas.
• Conflict: As Tara sought education and independence, conflicts arose between her desires and her family's expectations.
• Resilience: Despite the challenges, Tara's journey illustrates her resilience and ability to navigate her family's beliefs while pursuing her own path.

Impact of Parents on Tara Westover

The influence of Tara's parents on her life cannot be overstated. Their beliefs and values created a foundation from which Tara would eventually diverge. The struggles she faced in reconciling her upbringing with her desire for education are a central theme of her memoir.

• Education vs. Isolation: Tara's pursuit of education often led to tension with her parents, who viewed it as a threat to their way of life.
• Self-Discovery: Her experiences ultimately guided her toward self-discovery, allowing her to challenge her family's beliefs.
• Empowerment: Through education, Tara gained the tools to empower herself and break free from the constraints imposed by her upbringing.

Tara's Educational Journey

Tara Westover's educational journey is a testament to her determination and resilience. After years of self-study and overcoming obstacles, she gained admission to Brigham Young University. Her thirst for knowledge propelled her to further her studies, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge.

Throughout her educational journey, Tara faced challenges that tested her resolve:

• Adjusting to Academia: Transitioning from a home-schooled background to a rigorous academic environment was daunting.
• Confronting Beliefs: Tara grappled with the conflicting beliefs of her upbringing and the new ideas she encountered in academia.
• Writing "Educated": Her experiences ultimately inspired her to write "Educated," where she reflects on her journey and the impact of her parents on her life.

Conclusion

Tara Westover's parents, Gene and LaRee Westover, played pivotal roles in shaping her life and values. Their beliefs in self-reliance and distrust of formal education created a complex upbringing that Tara would ultimately challenge. Through her journey of self-discovery and pursuit of knowledge, Tara emerged as a powerful voice for those who have faced similar struggles.

As we reflect on Tara's story, it invites us to consider the impact of our own upbringing on our beliefs and choices. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below and explore more articles that delve into the themes of education, resilience, and personal growth.

Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you again soon!