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Childcare practices in three Asian countries

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Summary

Childcare practices such as feeding, toilet training, sleeping arrangement and discipline in three Asian countries (Chinese, Japan, and India) are compared. These countries differ from each other in culture, religion, language and ethnic makeup from Euro-American culture. The differences in childcare practices are broadly related to the differences in family values, traditions, and religions among these countries. Educational implications of sensitivity to cultural differences are also discussed.

Résumé

Les pratiques vitales de l’enfant comme l alimentation, l entraînment à la toilette, les préparatifs du coucher, et la discipline dans différents pays asiatiques sont comparés. Ces pays diffèrent l un de l autre par la culture, la religion, la langue et la composition de groupes ethniques de la culture euro-americaine. Les différences dans les pratiques de structures d accueil pour les enfants d âge préscolaire sont généralement rattachées aux différences dans les valeurs attribuées à la famille, aux traditions et aux religions dans ces pays. Les implications éducatives de sensibilité aux différentes cultures sont aussi discutées.

Resumen

Las prácticas infantiles de hábitos, tales como los de alimentación, los de higiene y arreglo personal, el orden de los espacios, el dormir y la disciplina, son estudiadas en diversos paises asiáticos en un estudio comparativo. Estos paises se diferencian entre ellos en su religión, la lengua y el origen étnico de sus culturas. Las diferencias en las prácticas de la crianza infantil, están relacionadas ampliamente con los valores, las tradiciones y las religiones, además de las diferencias inter familiares. Se desarrolla en el estudio un análisis las implicancias educativas de la sensibilidad a las differencias culturales que debiera posseer el profesional a cargo de los infantes.

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Correspondence to Sham’ah Md. Yunus.

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Yunus, S.M. Childcare practices in three Asian countries. IJEC 37, 39–56 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03165831

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