Cross-Cultural Differences In Childhood

Question 1

What does Ruth Benedict argue ?

Answer 1

• in many non - industrial cultures there less of a dividing line between the behaviour expected of children and the behaviour expected of adults
• childhood is not a fixed thing universally and is socially constructed

Question 2

How does Ruth Benedict argue that children are treated differently in different cultures?

Answer 2

• they take responsibility from an early age
• less value is placed on children showing obedience to adult authority
• children’s sexual behaviour is viewed differently

Question 3

What did Samantha Punch find in her study of childhood?

Answer 3

In Bolivia, once children reach 5 years old they are expected to take work responsibilities in the home and work with no hesitation on questions

Question 4

What did Raymond Firth find?

Answer 4

In Tikopia, doing as you’re told by a grown up is not a right to be expected by the adult

Question 5

What did Malinowski find?

Answer 5

adults took an attitude of ‘tolerance and amused interest’ towards children’s sexual explorations and activities