Social Econ Blog

How many of you had lawns at your houses growing up? How often did you actually play on them?

Growing grass at home, I presume, was done out of a desire to have a space where kids could play and (maybe if the yard were big enough) have lawn parties on. However, given that kids don't play outside in the grass (at least not at home -- I did a little when I was young, but not since I was 10 or 11 and I think I was more of an exception) and no one has lawn parties, why do people still go to great lengths to maintain lawns? Particularly, after children have grown, what is the benefit that justifies the cost? Is it really that much prettier than the alternative? I guess there may be some sort of pet argument, but do pets really need well manicured grass?

Just so it is clear. I like grass. I love big grass fields in parks and on college campuses and even golf courses. I am merely wondering why the convention is to have grass at home -- particularly in urban or suburban settings where there is likely a park or school nearby.