Module 6 Reading 2I

Question 1

Attachment theory: Focuses on socioemotional development of children, originally based on Western middle-class values.

Question 2

Cultural socialization strategies: Vary; some cultures allow infants more freedom, others involve caregivers guiding child behavior.

Question 3

Attachment theory’s universality claim: Suggests universal applicability but often ignores cultural differences in caregiving.

Question 4

Ethical issues: Western attachment theory’s universality can lead to misjudging non-Western parenting and is considered unethical.
Example: Indian family’s parenting practices in Norway misunderstood, leading to child removal by Norwegian authorities.

Question 5

Criticism of attachment theory: Built on Western norms (e.g., sensitivity, child-centered parenting), doesn’t account for cultural diversity.

Question 6

Attachment’s emotional bond: Universal concept of attachment is based on emotional security between infants and caregivers.
Insecure attachment: Includes avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized attachment.

Question 7

Cultural differences in attachment: Not all cultures display attachment behaviors like stranger anxiety; cultural context influences emotional responses.

WEIRD populations: Attachment theory mostly based on Western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic (WEIRD) populations, which represent only 5% of the world.

Question 8

Traditional farming communities: Have different child-rearing practices, with more emotional neutrality and less stranger anxiety.

Cultural diversity: Understanding attachment requires considering diverse ecological, social, and cultural contexts.

Question 9

Scientific implications: Misapplication of attachment theory to non-WEIRD populations creates a false understanding of parenting.

Question 10

Significant Attachment Partners (Western vs. Traditional Societies):
Western: Primary attachment to mother; fathers, grandmothers, or babysitters may participate.
Traditional: Multiple caregivers (extended family, peers), with non-Western societies emphasizing communal child-rearing.

Question 11

Attachment in Dyadic vs. Polyadic Relationships:
Western: Dyadic, face-to-face communication, visual and auditory senses, individualistic focus.
Traditional: Polyadic, body contact, infants are part of the larger family’s daily life, more sensory engagement.

Question 12

Sensitive Parental Responsiveness:
Ainsworth’s theory: Caregivers must notice, interpret, and respond appropriately to infant’s needs.

Parenting scales: Sensitivity, acceptance, cooperation, accessibility, emotional expression, and flexibility.
Non-Western societies: Caregivers guide infants within shared rhythms and social networks (apprenticeship view).

Question 13

Universal Claims of Attachment Theory:
Theory claims universal attachment formation across cultures.
Contradicts cultural evidence where early experiences influence development differently.

Question 14

Ethics and Universality of Attachment Theory:
Universal caregiving claims can be culturally biased and morally problematic.
Non-Western parenting practices misjudged as neglectful or intrusive under Western standards.

Question 15

Scientific and Ethical Concerns:
Cross-cultural assessments (e.g., children’s drawings) often misinterpreted through Western norms.
Attachment theory-based interventions in diverse cultures can be unscientific and unethical.

Question 16

Intervention and Cultural Context:
Western attachment-based parenting programs applied globally may misalign with cultural values and child-rearing practices.
Interventions can overlook long-term effects and cultural variances, raising ethical concerns.

Question 17

Outlook:
Attachment theory and children’s rights (e.g., UN CRC) reflect Western perspectives on child independence.
Ethical challenges arise in applying universal child development models across cultures. Multimethod research and cultural sensitivity are essential.