The socialization of infants in suburban Boston

Abstract

Psychologists are increasingly aware that infant development takes place within a social context. Studies of fathers' involvement in childrearing (Lamb, 1987) and sibling relationships (Dunn, 1983;Dunn and Kendrick, 1982) represent efforts to look at the larger family system in order to understand the developing child. However broadly the social context is defined, rarely are the influences of our own cultural beliefs and values on the parent-child relationship considered. In this chapter we will examine the role of parental values in determining childrearing practices among middle-class families in the Boston area.Many aspects of parent-child relationships are in fact affected by cultural values. For example, Super and Harkness (1981) suggest that the notion of "difficult" temperament represents an interaction between certain characteristics of the infant and characteristics of the cultural context in which the infant develops. Just as we can think of a potential mis- 65

Cross-cultural perspectives on music and musicality

“…seats and swings) and engage in face-to-face play [112]. Their singing and melodious speech enables them to 'keep in touch' with infants [113].…”

Why Not "Crying It Out" Part 2: Can Certain Infant Care Practices Cause Excessive Stress?

“…As discussed by LeVine and colleagues (1994), by Richman, Miller & Solomon (1988) and others, they form part of a parenting strategy that emphasizes the infant and child's development of independence from the parent(s). Parents who use these practices sincerely believe that it is most important to insist that the child behave independently, and that to "give in" to behaviors, such as crying or requests for attention, will simply encourage the child to become dependent.…”

On Heterogeneity, Coexistence, and Development within Cultures

“…Co-sleeping with infants is said to promote cultural values of interdependence, while having infants sleep separately from parents is said to facilitate early independence. But as Raeff points out in her discussion of Richman, Miller, and Solomon's [1988] research, parents' justifi cations for separate sleeping arrangements reveal a more complex picture. The research demonstrates that European American Smetana parents (who are presumed to be promoting autonomy by having their infant sleep in a separate room) view this arrangement as facilitating both independent and interdependent goals.…”