Myth of Attachment Theory: A Critical Understanding for Multicultural Societies

The Myth of Attachment Theory challenges the uncritical acceptance of attachment theory and explores the central concern of how children and their way of forming relationships differ from each other. It proposes that a single doctrine cannot best serve all children and families and advocates for a culturally conscious approach. The book employs multiple and mixed methods and goes beyond critical analysis of theory to offer insight into the implications of the unquestioning acceptance of this theory in childhood interventions, diagnosis of attachment security, international intervention programs, and educational settings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Myth of Attachment Theory delves into the critical examination of the widespread acceptance of attachment theory, challenging its scientific foundations and raising questions about its relevance in our modern, diverse, and multicultural society. It explores the central concern of how children and their approach to forming relationships differ from one another.

In this book, Heidi Keller examines diverse multicultural societies and argues that a single doctrine cannot effectively serve all children and families. Drawing on cultural, psychological, and anthropological research, this challenging volume recognizes cultural diversity as an inherent aspect of human experience and emphasizes the importance of taking the wide heterogeneity of children's worlds seriously to avoid painful or unethical consequences that may arise from the application of attachment theory in different fields.

The book delves into attachment theory as a scientific construct, explores its role as the foundation of early education, identifies the dimensions that need to be considered for a culturally conscious approach, and addresses ethical issues that arise from the universal claim of attachment theory in various areas. It employs a combination of multiple and mixed methods, going beyond a critical analysis of theory to offer insights into the implications of the unquestioning acceptance of this theory in fields such as childhood interventions, attachment security diagnosis, international intervention programs, and educational settings.

This volume is of utmost importance for scholars and researchers in developmental, educational, and clinical psychology, as well as educators, teachers-in-training, and other professionals working with children and their families. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of attachment theory, its challenges, and its implications in our contemporary world.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367764784