The Anthropology of Childhood: Cherubs, Chattel, Changelings

This book explores how children are raised in different cultures, the role of children in society, and how families and communities are structured around them. It is organized developmentally and enriched with anecdotes from ethnography and the daily media.

Format: Hardback
Length: 584 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Children are raised in diverse ways across different cultures, shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, social, and familial factors. The role of children in society is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects such as education, socialization, and contribution to the community. Families and communities are intricately structured around children, with different approaches to child-rearing and expectations for their behavior and development.

In this comprehensive book, now in its third edition, the author delves into these questions by reviewing and cataloging the findings of over 100 years of anthropological scholarship on childhood and adolescence. The book is organized developmentally, spanning from infancy to adolescence and early adulthood, and enriched with anecdotes from ethnography and the daily media to provide a nuanced and credible portrayal of childhood in different cultures, both past and present.

This new edition has been expanded and updated with over 350 new sources, covering a range of topics such as how children learn from their environment, the challenges of middle childhood, and the transmission of culture between generations. It remains an essential book for anyone interested in understanding what it means to be a child in our complex and ever-changing world.

Infancy:

Infancy is a critical period in a child's development, marked by significant changes in physical, cognitive, and social abilities. In many cultures, infants are highly valued and receive intensive care and attention from their families and caregivers. Infants are often carried close to their parents, breastfed, and surrounded by a nurturing environment.

In some cultures, infants are seen as a source of joy and happiness, and parents may engage in playful activities and rituals to celebrate their arrival. In contrast, in other cultures, infants may be viewed as a burden or a source of stress, and parents may prioritize their own needs over those of their children.

Cognitive Development:

Cognitive development is a key aspect of childhood development, and it involves the gradual acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Infants begin to develop their cognitive abilities from the moment they are born, and they continue to grow and develop throughout their early years.

Infants are highly receptive to learning and can develop basic cognitive skills such as recognizing faces, responding to sounds, and following simple instructions. As they grow older, infants develop more complex cognitive skills such as memory, problem-solving, and language acquisition.

Social Development:

Social development is another critical aspect of childhood development, and it involves the development of social relationships and communication skills. Infants begin to develop social relationships with their caregivers and siblings, and they gradually expand their social circle to include other children and adults.

Infants are highly social creatures and require close contact with their caregivers to develop healthy social skills. They learn to communicate through nonverbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, and they begin to develop a sense of self and identity.

Families and Communities:

Families and communities play a crucial role in raising children, and they are shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors. In many cultures, families are extended families, with multiple generations living together and sharing responsibilities for child-rearing.

In these cultures, children are seen as a valuable asset to the family and are expected to contribute to the family's well-being and prosperity. Children may be involved in household chores, agricultural work, or other forms of labor, and they are often taught traditional values and beliefs.

In contrast, in some cultures, families are more nuclear, with only two parents and their children living together. In these cultures, parents may prioritize their own needs and interests over those of their children, and children may be more independent and self-reliant.

Conclusion:

Children are raised in diverse ways across different cultures, shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, social, and familial factors. The role of children in society is multifaceted, encompassing education, socialization, and contribution to the community. Families and communities are intricately structured around children, with different approaches to child-rearing and expectations for their behavior and development.

This comprehensive book provides a valuable insight into the diverse ways in which children are raised in different cultures, and it is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of childhood and adolescence. By reviewing and cataloging the findings of over 100 years of anthropological scholarship, the author has created a comprehensive and engaging book that is sure to be of interest to scholars, educators, and anyone who cares about children and their well-being.

Weight: 1430g
Dimension: 253 x 194 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108837781
Edition number: 3 Revised edition