Abstract This paper examines the child raising techniques of three cultures: the Mbuti, the Yanoamo, and the !Kung. According to the author, each of these food-foraging societies showed different elements of independence training to instill survival skills.
From the Paper "The Mbuti culture instructs independence by a way of religious means. The Mbuti have many rituals in where they give thanks to the forest. One of them is called the bamelima, where young girls go into the forest for a long period of time. This practice is to ensure cooperation between the girls for survival's sake and for later adult cooperative activity. The Mbuti see the male children as being well developed with their cooperation skills, but do not think the same of the girls. This is why this festival is for only the girls. (Turnbull, 135,136) The boys have rituals also, such as the nkumbi. This ritual practices strength training (instead of cooperation training) with strenuous labor and physical abuse. After it is through, the boys are then considered men in the village and may take part in any adult male activity. (Turnbull, 221-226) Although training methods differ, the Mbuti culture uses survival skills in rituals to teach independence in both girls and boys."
Abstract This paper examines the differences in childrearing techniques from the beginning and mid-nineteenth century and today. It briefly looks at some popular sitcoms which depict both of these eras to explain the role that the media has had in forming different patterns of childrearing and child development.
From the Paper "Television commercials constitute a large segment of the media's representation of children. These children are usually the product of suburban households, and show popular trends in their speech and dress. They have a personality that shows an early development of cynicism and too much emphasis on the latest trends. However, they are educated, technologically aware and interested in competitive sports. Very little attention is given in television commercials to the children who may not be interested in these mainstream pursuits. The child who loves books, or plays the piano or enjoys solitary pursuits is usually not represented in this part of the media. However, it must be remembered that commercials are marketing devices, and does not have child development as a part of the agenda. In general, the depiction of childhood in the media is healthy and reflective of the influences of today's society and the advances made in the field of child development."
Abstract This paper examines how authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish wrote their counter-cultural book, "Liberated Parents, Liberated Children: Your Guide to a Happier Family", regarding tips and tactics for parents to use as they raised children before the term "counter-cultural" had become politically correct. It looks at how, in 1974, when the majority of children were being raised under the questionable, permissive advice of Dr. Spock, these authors focused on another aspect of childrearing. It looks at how they were significantly influenced by child psychologist Haim Ginott ,who believed that it was the emotional well-being of the child that would guide his actions.
From the Paper "This differentiation between giving of ourselves to our children, and giving ourselves over to our children is the delicate line which Mazlish and Faber walk throughout their book as they discuss skills for parents to learn to build emotionally balanced and self-secure children. The approach which encourages parents to remain in their authority role in the child's life, as well as equips the parent to connect with the child's feeling is the element of this book which sets it apart from other works. Dr. Spock taught parents to reason with their children rather than correct them. By doing so, the well intentioned doctor instructed parents to abdicate an important role in their children's development, which is the role of authority to which the child is accountable."
Abstract This paper will analyze the poem by Maya Angelou called " I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and use this as a medium to discuss the factors of childrearing that occur as lessons within the structure of the writing. This poem will be a way to see how resilient children can be brought up and show how the lessons for good parenting can be found in the lines that she has written. The realm of the parent will be revealed as well, within the poem, to show how the relationships of the parent play a part in raising a child to be healthy as an adult in later life.
Abstract This paper explains that generations of parents continue to perpetuate negative childrearing techniques because it is what they themselves know. The author presents the work of Alice Miller who feels that children who survive an abusive childhood have a natural 'gift' to adapt even to unspeakable cruelty by becoming numb. Presenting the author's own situation, the paper concludes that that when someone was not a happy, healthy child herself, it requires a concerted effort on the part of the adult to become healthy and happy and to make amends with that childhood in order to go on to raise happy, healthy children.
From the Paper "I accept that I, nor anyone, can or should expect our parents to change. The burden of change lies within my generation because we have the faculties and resources to overcome the past, in the form of our own intelligence and self-awareness, literature, both instructional and auto-biographical (self-realization aided by the realizations of others), and good therapists. I believe that acknowledging and working to understand the cycle you have been victim of (and may in fact have been perpetuating) is an important start to breaking it."
Abstract This essay includes a summary of two views on child-rearing and parenting in the Victorian era and contemporary times. The paper also includes a response and reaction to these views. Other authors and thinkers are cited regarding socialization and normalization strategies, particularly their impact on childhood in contemporary times.
From the Paper "In 'Uncovering Childhood', Peter Fuller traces the way that children's imagery, in fact their being, has been co-modified by adults and capitalistic socioeconomic systems. Primarily viewing children as young adults, Fuller argues that..."
Abstract This paper explains social and structural barriers that confront women because of child-rearing practices. The author reviews Australia's labor market and how it relates to women. The paper examines discriminatory practices.
From the Paper "The role of women in society has expanded considerably over the past century. Less than a hundred years ago, women in the United States which purports to be the most democratic nation in the world were not allowed to vote. Today women in the developed world including Australia ..."
Tags: women's rights, childrearing, workforce participation, Australia, social constructs
This paper reviews the history of child abuse, tracing the changes in the 16th, 18th and 20th centuries, and discusses the challenges that are faced today by the child protection system.
Abstract This paper explains that the history of child abuse and neglect in the United States is characterized by a conflict between two missions: a child rescue orientation, emphasizing the removal of children from unfit homes; and the family support approach, focusing on improving the social and environmental factors that lead to parental stress and child maltreatment. The author points out that, until the Middle Ages, there was no concept of childhood in the minds of most adults in the West; until children were age six or seven, they were considered infants and non-persons who were often uncared for and unwanted. This paper states that, at the dawn of the 21st century, children are no longer adequately cared for, and there are strong indications of a general devaluation of children and child-rearing; children are once again living under conditions that threaten their emotional and physical health because of society's perception of children as non-persons.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A Historical Overview
Child Sexual Abuse
Differences in Perception of Childhood
Child Abuse throughout History
Conclusion
From the Paper "Societies basically ignored child sexual abuse until after the "re-discovery" of child abuse in the early 1960s by Kempe and his colleagues. Kempe's construction of the "battered child syndrome" has been greatly expanded over the past three decades to include sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. The increased growth of concern about child sexual abuse is greatly attributed to child advocates and the feminist movement."
Abstract Punishment was once an integral part of the school life of the children. This paper discusses how corporal punishments was given to the students who were found engaged in any wrong deed. The purpose of punishing the students in the school was to tell that the wrong doing would eventually bring pain and agony. The writer explores the development that with the passage of time, it is now realized that these punishments are no good for the students as they have more negative impacts than positive. The short and long term effects are discussed in this paper, examining whether adults who were beaten as children in schools became more agressive parents. It shows how these punishments not only harm the students physically but are also great threat to their mental health. It examines how people including parents and the young generation (children and teenagers) are now voicing against the abuse of the corporal punishment.
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Overview of the Study
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989
and Discipline
The Legal Effects of the UN Convention
General Aims and Obligations
Discipline
Schools and Corporal Punishment
Discipline at School
Responsibility for Discipline
Disciplinary Measures at School
The Legal Basis of a Teachers Authority
Home-School Agreements
Constraints on disciplinary Action
Detention
Safer Schools
The Physical Punishment of Children in the U.K
Child Protection
The Children Act 1989 and Child Protection
The Human Rights Act 1998 and Child Protection
Suggested Reforms and Conclusion
The Need For Change
Bibliography
Cases and Statute
From the Paper "It was the perspective of people a few years ago; that only way to punish someone who did a sinister deed was to use corporal punishment. This is meant to enforce pain to someone who has done wrong by hitting them, beating them, strapping them or even whipping them. These are only a few examples of corporal punishment. Why do we have punishment, How do we benefit from it and how do we abuse it? The most obvious reason for corporal punishment is to castigate one for doing something wrong by means of physical abuse expecting the individual to learn from his or her mistake. But we must ask ourselves this question. Is the person benefiting from this or is he or she not only being physically abused but also mentally. In some cases corporal punishment psychologically affects ones mind on a long-term basis that will stain their memory for a very long period of time."
Abstract This paper investigates the literature regarding child abuse in a cross-cultural context. This includes alleged child abuse cases among South Asian families in Britain, concepts of abuse and discipline among immigrant Latino families in the United States and among American Indian and native Alaskan communities and ultra-Orthodox Jewish families in Israel. In the conclusion, the paper notes the continued difficulty of imposing a universal definition of child abuse and the continued need for a culturally sensitive approach towards the childrearing and parenting traditions of other cultures.
From the Paper "Since the 1950s, the issue of child abuse has often been framed in terms of children or minors being battered by adults. Because extensive research shows that victimized children grow up to victimize others (Heyman and Slep 2002), researchers and psychiatrists continue to devise diagnostic tools to recognize the early signs of child abuse and ways to treat children who have been abused. However, psychiatrists like Maita Begum assert that the professionalization of the care and protection of children from child abuse is based largely on Western cultural values, particularly individuality, subjective experiences and proper interpersonal communications."
Abstract This paper looks at how raising children is a not an easy job and how one of the most difficult parts is finding the most efficient way to punish a child. It explores the topic of disciplining children by the parents, including a discussion on whether or not corporal punishment is right or wrong in both the home and school setting. It also gives alternatives to corporal punishment, such as positive reinforcement, as well as information that suggests that spanking isn't that harmful to a child.
From the Paper "Corporal punishment is a touchy subject no matter how you look at it. Some people believe that it is a necessary part of life, while others believe that it needs to be banned in the United States. The definition of corporal punishment as stated in the Encyclopedia Britannica is ?the infliction of physical pain upon a person's body as punishment for a crime or infraction.? (Britannica .com) It goes on to state ?the term also denotes physical disciplining of children in the schools and at home.? The use of corporal punishment in home and school has been widely debated. So parents have the difficult decision in how they will punish their children inside their own home and they also have to worry about how their child's teacher or school official will discipline them."
A discussion of how understanding the child-rearing practices of the Pacific Northwest Indians and Alaskan Native Indians is important in providing the best welfare service to their children.
Abstract This paper discusses cultural competence within the context of the Pacific Northwest Indians and the Alaskan Native American. The paper describes family and community approaches to child welfare practice and also looks at social and (to a lesser extent) racial constructs in these societies. Finally, the paper at various times touches upon the lessons that a careful study of Pacific Northwest culture can offer to a child welfare agent eager to do the right thing.
From the Paper "About the Coeur d'Alene tribe somewhat less is known but it is known that kinship was bilaterally based and that the same terms were used to address a cousin from the mother's side of the family as from the father's side of the family (Frey, n.d.). Whether or not this sort of practice is still in place is hard to determine (the evidence is scant) but, to the extent that any members of the Coeur d'Alene still cling to the "old ways", it is advisable that child welfare representatives respect the fact that Coeur d'Alene families are extended and close-knit and that a child's well-being is everyone's concern."
Abstract The developmental-psychology context of the childreared without siblings has emerged as an issue in recent years. The paper shows, however, that evidence proves that only children do not appear to be at a significant disadvantage in regard to personality or other aspects of development and functioning. The paper shows that in fact "onlies", as only children are called, show higher intelligence and social skills than children from multi-sibling families.
From the Paper "The relevance of these insights into the only-child phenomenon is that the culture seems quick to point out the negative effects of being an only child, though not as frequently able to appreciate the potentially negative psychological influences of the appearance of a new baby at home and the sometimes difficult negotiations associated with sibling influences over the course of childhood (Shaffer, 1998). Undoubtedly siblings may contribute to development, but by no means is it clear that they are necessary to development or useful to optimal development of a child's sense of self and others. According to Katz (1987), research on "onliness" and order of birth of siblings does not confirm hypothesized disadvantages to an absence of siblings in a household, at least if parents of onlies are sensible enough to expose their children sufficiently to the learning and developmental opportunities available with age peers."
Abstract The paper explores the role of the child protection agencies in protecting our children and questions whether state laws are helping or hindering the process. The paper explains the types of abuse and presents research data that demonstrates the increase in child abuse every year. The paper also reviews the history of child abuse and discusses the challenges that are faced today by the child protection system and what can be done to improve the child protective services (CPS).
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
History of Child Abuse
Types of Abuse
What Factors Contribute to Child Abuse?
Understanding the Impact of Historic Policies on Child Maltreatment
Child Abuse and Neglect Laws and State Statutes
The Role of Child Protective Services
The Consequences of Child Abuse
Social Intervention Strategies
Conclusion
Recommendations for Policy Changes
From the Paper "According to Tzeng et al (1991) children throughout history have been the victims of child abuse. There have even been some archeological findings that have suggested that child abuse existed as far back as prehistoric times. In many societies corporal punishment was seen as the norm and was used to discipline children. Child abuse has also been used to educate children as it pertains to cultural and religious ideas and morals. The corporal punishment or abuse of children was also utilized to please gods or expel unwanted spirits.
"The author points out that in the rituals of ancient Greeks and Romans children were sacrificially killed. In addition in some civilizations fathers, in accordance with the Patria Protestas of 700 B.C., could legally trade, maim, or kill their children if the so desired. Children were also killed in Ancient Greek Societies when they were found to be deformed or retarded because it was believed that such children would weaken the society. This was allowed because children were believed to be property."
Abstract This paper examines the psychological implications of child abuse. It attempts to explain the problem of child abuse, identify factors that generate child abuse and explore the effects of child abuse on development. The paper reports that the United States Department of Health and Human Services contends that a variety of signs may be evident in a child that lives in an abusive environment. For the educator key signs of abuse may include injuries that are reported to the parent but that are left untreated for no apparent reason (Recognizing sec. 2). The child might display a sudden lack of interest in school coupled with the inability to complete assignments or provide homework in a customary fashion.
From the Paper "Child abuse has many terrible implications on a child's development. Several explanations of human development have been given through history to understand human behavior. Inside these diverse development concepts, psychology plays an outstanding part. These explanations recognize and explain the processes by which human beings, from a biological base, will undertake a road that will be good for them to reach maturity. Specific Objectives: * To explain the problem of child abuse * To identify the factors that generate child abuse. * To explore the effects of child abuse on development. A child needs to interact with his environment and in this way to establish a good quality of life, that is to say, the necessary conditions so the human being can reach a state that allows him to mature and adapt in a natural way and in reciprocity with his environment. For that reason when the conditions of the quality of..."
