Cross-cultural differences

• Childhood differs across the world through:

  • Culture
  • Language
  • Beliefs
• Benedict 1934

  Children in non-industrial societies are treated differently from their modern western counterparts in 3 ways:

  • They take responsibility at an early age
  • Less value is placed on children showing obedience
  • Children's sexual behaviour is often view differently
• Punch 2001 - taking responsibility at a young age

  She studied children in rural Bolivia and found that once children are about 5 years old they are expected to take on work responsibilities in the home and the community.
• Holmes 1974 - taking responsibility at an early age

  Studied a Samoan village and found that 'too young' was never given as an excuse for not permitting a child to undertake certain tasks. E.g. Handling dangerous tools and carrying heavy loads.
• Firth 1970 - Children showing obedience to adult authority

  He found that among the Tikopia of the western Pacific, doing as you're told by an adult is regarded as concession to be granted by the child, not a right to be expected as an adult.
• Malinowski 1957 - Children's sexual behaviour

  Amongst the Trobriand islanders of the south-west Pacific found that adults took an attitude of 'tolerance and amused interest' towards children's sexual explorations and activities.