Contributing to recent work in the critical sociology of childhood, this article presents an ethnographic and discursive analysis of the multitude of cultural meanings associated with "child-centeredness" in US American early childhood education. Specifically, the article focuses on Waldorf education, a private educational alternative…

In this essay, it is argued that a general understanding of human development needs a unified framework based on evolutionary theorizing and cross-cultural and cultural anthropological approaches. An eco-social model of development has been proposed that defines cultural milieus as adaptations to specific socio-demographic contexts. Ontogenetic…

A review is made of some of the studies done regarding social class differences and the effectiveness of reinforcers within these class groups of children. Results of these studies show that overall, the suggested hypothesis of differential reinforcers among social classes cannot be assumed. (DEP)

A child learns very early in his life that there is a great disparity between truth and social propriety. He quickly accomodates himself to this situation in order to avoid unpleasant experiences. (CK)

This study of a middle-class housing estate in Great Britain shows how the women of the community foster a collective culture conducive to the academic success of the children. This reinforcement of social stratification inhibits working-class advancement and calls into question the efficacy of school reform in achieving equity. (SK)