Theory OOh, lala…..

Do we need theory? Culture is incredibly complex Organize ideas Limit what we look at Blueprint for data collection

“Child development takes place through processes of progressively more complex interaction between an active child and the persons, objects, and symbols in its immediate environment.” Bronfenbrenner, 1998

Microsystem A pattern of activities, roles, and interpersonal relations experienced by the developing person in a given face to face setting in a particular physical, social and symbolic features that invite, permit or inhibit engagement in sustained, progressively more complex interactions with the immediate environment.

Mesosystem Comprises the linkages and processes between two or more settings containing the developing person.

Exosystem Comprises the linkages and processes taking place between two or more settings, at least one of which does not contain the developing person, but in which events occer that indirectly influence processes within the immediate setting in which the developing person lives

Macrosystem Most complex Culture to some Overarching pattern or characteristics of a given culture in particular the belief systems resources, hazards, lifestyle, patterns of social exchange, etc.

J. Whiting’s model for psychocultural research

ENVIRONMENT HISTORY MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS Climate Flora Fauna Terrain Migrations Borrowings Inventions Economy Settlement patterns Household type Social structure Systems of defense Law/social control Division of labor PROJECTIVE EXPRESSIVE SYSTEM Magic beliefs Religious dogmas Ritual and ceremony Art and recreation Games and play Crime rates Suicide rates Tasks assigned to older kids Frequency/ Intensity Rewards & Punishments Disciplinary techniques Salience or mom & dad # caretakers Infant stress Needs Drives Motives Capacities CHILD’S LEARNING ENVIRONMENT INNATE Behavioral styles Skills/ abilities Value priorities Conflicts Defenses LEARNED INDIVIDUAL ADULT J. Whiting’s model for psychocultural research

Physical and Social Setting Child Care Practices Psychology of the Caregiver Developmental Niche of child

Physical and Social Setting Child Care Practices Psychology of the Caregiver Fosterage Individual motivations to foster? What psychological impact did this experience have on people? Cultural rules of exchange, outcomes of these practices? What other factors Influence fosterage?

Vygostsky Development is the result of interaction between cultural and historical factures. Match the child’s demands with the requirements of his/her culture

Zone of Proximal Development Distance between what children can actually achieve independently and what their potential levels of development might be if given guidance.