Social and Cultural Contexts

Catalog description

Through an examination of current theory and multidisciplinary social science research, this course explores the influence of contextual factors in the development of children. Socially and culturally constructed factors (such as gender, race, ethnicity and social class) and institutions (such as family, schools, and organized child care) will be discussed in terms of their influence on childrearing and child development. Through course lectures, discussion and assignments students will gain an understanding of the variability of child rearing strategies and outcomes across cultural communities; the role of historical and ecological factors in child rearing and family functioning; identity development in complex societies; and sources of possible tensions between different cultural communities and societal institutions (such as schools, social service providers, and childcare programs).