Children and Globalization Read Along Series: Part II
Children and Globalization, Multidisciplinary Perspectives
https://www.routledge.com/Children-and-Globalization-Multidisciplinary-Perspectives/Mahmoudi-Mintz/p/book/9781032093178
Child development is a complex and multifaceted process that is shaped by a wide range of factors, including culture, history, and social context. In Part II of "Children and Globalization", the authors explore the ways in which child development is influenced by global contexts and cultural traditions. Chapter 4 "The Private World of Women and Children: Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes in 19th-Century Greater Syria" by Fruma Zachs and Chapter 5 "The Elephant in the Room is the Role Model: Managing the Paradox of Pregnancy in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Classroom" by Orna Blumen with Elka Freedland, provide fascinating insights into how cultural traditions, historical contexts, and social norms shape the experiences of children and caregivers in different parts of the world.
One of the key themes that emerges in Part II is the importance of understanding the cultural context in which child development occurs. Chapter 4 of "The Private World of Women and Children" by Fruma Zachs delves into the cultural significance of lullabies and nursery rhymes, specifically within the context of 19th-century Greater Syria. The chapter highlights the role of women in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage and the importance of lullabies and nursery rhymes in shaping the identity of a community.
One of the key themes in the chapter is the role of women in the preservation and transmission of cultural traditions. Zachs explains how women were the primary caregivers and educators of young children in Greater Syria during the 19th century, and how they used lullabies and nursery rhymes as a means of passing down local customs and traditions from generation to generation. I was struck by the importance of these songs in preserving the cultural heritage of the region and how they helped to shape the identity of the people who lived there.
Another key theme in Part II is the impact of social norms on child development. Chapter 5, "The Elephant in the Room is the Role Model: Managing the Paradox of Pregnancy in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Classroom" by Orna Blumen with Elka Freedland, explores the challenges faced by pregnant teachers in religious schools in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. The chapter highlights the tension between the values of modesty and fertility in this community and how pregnant teachers navigate this tension in their role as role models.
One of the key takeaways from the chapter is the importance of modesty and gender segregation in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. The authors explain how these values are central to the community's identity and how they shape the experiences of pregnant teachers in religious schools. The teachers face a challenge in balancing the expectations of their students and the community with their own needs and desires.
Another key theme in the chapter is the tension between fertility and modesty. The authors explain how pregnancy is seen as a sign of spiritual elevation and a reflection of a woman's devotion to family life and the community. At the same time, however, pregnancy poses a challenge to the value of modesty, which is also central to the community's identity. It is interesting to read about how pregnant teachers navigate this tension and how they manage to embody both values in their role as role models.
Overall, Part II of "Children and Globalization" provides a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of child development in global contexts. The chapters in Part II highlight the importance of understanding the cultural and social context in which child development occurs and the ways in which these factors shape the experiences of children and caregivers around the world.
About the Author:
Eden is a Graduate Assistant with the Baha’i Chair for World Peace. She is attending the University of Maryland and pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Her interests are in health disparities and policy.
