There's that time Martin mentions to Sam that his parents wanted him to go into business and politics (which is why Petra is an economist *g*)... So I'm guessing that their interest in Martin was primarily of the "How can he add shine to the Fitzgerald name?" variety. Obviously, Martin didn't go for that, and isn't really interested in doing what they want him to do, or what they think he should.

It's kind of weird... I mean, Martin wasn't abused or anything and grew up (seemingly) upper-middle class with all the privilege that comes with it, but still, I'd have hated to have his childhood :/ Poor Fitz.