Question: In Backbone model views, it seems `$(this.el).parent()` doesn't work. What is the best way to select the parent element from within a view?

I am setting el by using `tagName: "li"` for the view.

Answer: 
By default, Backbone assigns an empty `div` to your view and you can't access its parent, until it's been placed in the DOM through your render function.

You can use your approach of `$(this.el).parent()` if you are allowing Backbone to assign the default empty `div`. You can use the `this.el.parent()` if you are assigning `el` yourself in the constructor to a jQuery object.
What are you setting this.el to? If you're already setting it to a jquery element, for example:

```
this.el = $('#content');

```

then you don't need to wrap it again. Try changing what you have to:

```
this.el.parent()

```