Each answer should be about 500-700 words, there are three different questions to be answered. Please only use readings given. 1. Compare and Contrast two or more styles of American mothering (or fathering) that we have read about in the course. What can you conclude about “typical” patterns of mothering (or fathering) in the United States? Is there one particular “natural” way that this should be done? 2. Does Annette Lareau say that there is a clear superiority in one or another style of class-based child-rearing? In what ways are families who pursue both “accomplishment of natural growth” and “concerted cultivation” alike? Which of the two kinds of child-rearing pattern, or what kind of combination, would you, ideally, think would be best to try to use with any children that you or someone close to you might have? 3. Which of your previous ideas or conceptions of childhood or children have been most challenged, or confirmed, so far in this course? Please explain why, what materials or information have raised questions for you about your earlier understandings, and whether you think that any revisions in your previous understandings might be warranted. If the course has confirmed any ideas you already had, please explain in what way. What previous ideas and conceptions does this question refer to? They are (1) the ones you learned growing up as a child, or (2) the ones you might have studied in other courses, or (3) the ones you use or have used in your professional roles in working with children, or (4) the ones you have used in your family taking care of the young people in it who are your children, nieces, nephews, or younger sisters and brothers – or some combination of any or all of these.
