Theories
Those who place emphasis on the 'nature' aspect of development, would align most closely with which developmental perspective, bio-cultural or socio-cultural?
The bio-cultural perspective.
Developmentalists who adopt a bio-cultural perspective maintain the belief that development is guided by "genetic, chromosomal and hormonal make-up" (Wood & Cook, 2009, p.19).
Children contribute to establishing the meaning of gender through their play.
What is one example of a way that boys represent their gender through play?
What is one example of a way that girls represent their gender through play?
Boys demonstrate that they are tough through rough and tumble play. For example, Wood and Cook (2009), observed a boy turn a carrot into a light sabre during fantasy play.
Girls represent their gender as being 'delicate' by, for example, incorporating magical creatures such as fairies into their fantasy play (Wood & Cook, 2009).
What type of observation method did researchers use?
"Non-participant observation methods" (Wood & Cook, 2009, p. 21).
How does Callum's dislike of adults support the concept of free-choice in play?
Callum's rough and boisterous play is not permitted by adults, limiting his opportunity to explore different identities and the develop of his own sense of agency (Wood & Cook, 2009).
How are adults limited in regard to influencing children's play?
"Play in educational settings takes place beyond the gaze of adults, it is unlikely that they will observe and understand the subtleties and complexities of play" (Wood & Cook, 2009, p.28).
Those who place emphasis on the 'nurture' aspect of development, would align most closely with which developmental perspective, bio-cultural or socio-cultural?
The socio-cultural perspective.
Developmentalists who adopt a socio-cultural perspective maintain the belief that development is a product of cultural beliefs and practices which drives behaviour and play (Wood & Cook, 2009).
On page 20 Wood and Cook (2009) argue that there are benefits to free play. What are these benefits?
Children have the opportunity to make choices and decisions based on their own ideas, interests, and needs, with little to no adult intervention (Wood & Cook, 2009).
Why might we have considered 4 to be the magic number in this study?
- 4 participants (with ages ranging from 4-5 years old)
- 4 month observation period
- 4 observations per participant
How did John perform hegemonic masculinity?
John refrained from crying when he hurt himself. Additionally, he demonstrated his 'strength' when he took on the role of 'firefighter', working to save people. (Wood & Cook 2009)
How does the need to accomplish curriculum goals restrict an educator's ability to assist students in breaking down gender discourses?
The current education system requires teachers to focus on assessment, based on the curriculum, as opposed to drawing attention to deconstructing gendered discourses and practices (Wood & Cook, 2009).
How does the feminist post-structural perspective challenge binary developmental discourses?
The feminist post-structural perspective does not view gender categories as mutually exclusive. In addition, they challenge patriarchal gender positions.
(Wood & Cook, 2009)
How does free-choice in play limit development?
Although free-choice is theoretically provided to students their choices must ultimately align with institutional values otherwise, freedoms are limited (Wood & Cook, 2009). This diminishes a child's ability to develop and express their own agency.
What key issue emerged when examining what children learn through role play?
(Information can be found in the second paragraph under "Research Design" on page 21)
The influence of gender and role play impacted social dynamics:
- Inclusion/exclusion
- Power dynamics
- Agency
(Wood & Cook, 2009)
What gender stereotypes are represented through Alice's play?
Alice's play periods demonstrate the 'naughty boys' discourse. Additionally, her choice of activities represent the stereotype surrounding girls' domestic play.
(Wood & Cook, 2009)
How might educators play a pro-active role in expanding girls' and boys' discursive repertoires?
Educators can challenge repertoires and support differences in masculinities and femininities (Wood & Cook, 2009).
Do your beliefs of childhood development align more closely with the bio-cultural perspective or the socio-cultural perspective? Explain using terms from the text.
Congratulations you justified your response and earned your team some points!
How might role-play contribute to a child's development?
Role play is important for social development, as it allows children to foster the skills necessary to build relationships. Additionally, it allows children to take part in cultural production without the interference of adults.
(Wood & Cook, 2009)
A continuum was used to analyze this data, what was it called?
Broadhead's Social Play Continuum
Who's interests were privileged in the classroom?
Lucy and Alice's play interests were supported in the classroom, as teachers did not interrupt this type of play. However, teachers tended to interrupt the boys rough and tumble play.
(Wood & Cook, 2009)
On page 28 in paragraph 2, why would the author make the statement that children's role play is a 'political activity' (Wood & Cook, 2009)?
Children are developing their own beliefs and sense of identity through role play. Thus, they are learning how to navigate different social contexts with different power dynamics.