Functionalism Versus Status in the Global Village and Middle Childhood: Pathways for Successful Development

• Published in: PsycCritiques Vol. 51; no. 49; p. No Pagination Specified
• Main Author: Bridges, Eric M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Psychological Association 06.12.2006
• Subjects: Childhood Development; Communities; Experiences (Events); Family; Human; Identity Formation; Immigration; Lower Income Level; Schools; Sociocultural Factors
• ISSN: 1554-0138; 1554-0138
• DOI: 10.1037/a0003756

Reviews the book, Developmental Pathways Through Middle Childhood: Rethinking Contexts and Diversity as Resources edited by Catherine R. Cooper, Cynthia T. Garcia Coll, W. Todd Bartko, Helen M. Davis, and Celina Chatman (see record 2005-08675-000). What is oftentimes overlooked is what youths can do and how they, their families, and communities are change agents that shape their contexts. Developmental Pathways Through Middle Childhood: Rethinking Contexts and Diversity as Resources, is a collection of chapters that explore how where children come from and what they bring to schools is just as important as the money or political position that many middle-class and upper-class children have. Children who live in poverty provide evidence of their ability to generate resources and opportunities as they create learning and recreational opportunities where others see failed systems, concrete jungles, and danger. This book does an excellent job of presenting research by numerous scholars who examine the social determinants of educational success. The scholars examine how school engagement, diversity, children's everyday experiences, child care, academic achievement, immigrant status, and race affect the academic and social experience of American youth. The book is a remarkable account of how children, their families, and communities are rich resources that must be used by schools. This book is a good read for teachers, administrators, and laypersons alike. If students are interested in education, Developmental Pathways is a good discussion text for the university classroom, but is not expressly relevant for psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)