Title Highlight: Growing Up: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia

Growing Up: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia

1 volume: Maps, illustrations, Subject index, Culture Group Index

This interesting work describes differences and similarities between the childbearing and child rearing practices of different cultural groups. It is not an exhaustive comparison, but many different cultures are represented ranging across 6 continents. The book does not address the dominant culture in several regions; for instance, Native American groups are discussed, but the larger American culture is not. Neither is most of Europe nor most Arab cultures. However, the child bearing and child rearing practices of many African and Asian cultures as well as the Hindu culture of India are referred to often. The maps at the front and the cultures index at the end of the book show which regions and groups are mentioned in the book. Among the topics covered are; birth order, child mortality, integration into adult life, play and the roles of mothers and fathers in children’s upbringing. Each article has a list of further resources.