The final reader in the "Child Development in Social Context" series shows how the study of child development is inevitably bound up in more ephemeral cultural ideas about the nature and needs of children and in the educational practices that rise from these ideas. Some readings point to the dangers which can arise from the meeting of science and cultural values, using for illustration studies of the role of psychological theory in reinforcing social attitudes to child care inside and outside the family. Other readings look at children's initiation into that relatively recent cultural invention, the school, and the relationship with their learning at home. There are studies of their social development in the classroom and playground, with a particular emphasis on ethnic relationships.

vol 1

Becoming A Person

by Martin Woodhead

Published 3 January 1991

The first volume of readings for the Child Development in Social Context series concentrates on the imporatnce of social relationships in the young child's life. Early readings summarise recent research on childres's emotional attachments. But relationships are also the context of much of their early play and learning. There are readings to illustrate how parents 'frame' , guide and 'scaffold' young children's development, with special reference to the way childfren are intiated into using language as a tool for learning. The cross- cultural dimension of early development is a particular focus of this volume, which concludes with readings on the construction of personal identity. First published in 1991. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.