Assignment Question
Why do you think Cole and his colleagues characterized young children’s thought as illustrating islands of competence? What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of this label? 2. How do cultural scripts play a role in the child’s life? For example, consider these: • Taking a bath • Going to bed • Getting ready for day care or school • Dinner time at home • Eating at a restaurant Choose one. What might the script look like? What role might it play in everyday life? How might such a script influence children’s cognitive functioning? 3. How do cultural scripts continue to play a role in your life now?
Answer
Introduction
The study of children’s cognitive development has been an intriguing field of research, offering valuable insights into how young minds perceive and interact with the world around them. Jerome S. Bruner, in collaboration with Barbara Rogoff, Shirley Braine, and other colleagues, introduced the concept of “islands of competence” to characterize the cognitive abilities of young children .One of the key strengths of characterizing children’s thought as “islands of competence” is that it recognizes the complexity and dynamism of cognitive development. It acknowledges that cognitive abilities are not linear but can vary across different domains and aspects of a child’s life.
Cultural Scripts and Children’s Cognitive Functioning
The “dinner time at home” script is a culturally ingrained set of expectations and norms related to the evening meal within the family context. This script varies across cultures but often involves the following components (Rogoff, 2003):
Gathering as a Family: The script typically involves family members coming together to share a meal. It is a time for social bonding and conversation, and it often signifies the end of the day.
Meal Preparation: The script includes the preparation and serving of food, which can involve different roles within the family, such as cooking, setting the table, or cleaning up.
Manners and Etiquette: The script dictates appropriate behaviors at the dinner table, including the use of utensils, politeness, and conversational norms.
Conversation: It encourages communication and interaction among family members, fostering a sense of connection and socialization.
Cultural Values: The script often reflects cultural values, such as the importance of family, respect for elders, and the sharing of food.
The Continuing Influence of Cultural Scripts in My Life
The “getting ready for the day” script involves a series of routines and activities that prepare individuals for the day ahead. It encompasses various tasks, such as waking up, personal hygiene, selecting appropriate clothing, and organizing the essentials for the day. The script sets the tone for the day and helps individuals transition from a state of rest to one of productivity (Duke, 2009).
In this script, several elements come into play (Duke, 2009)
Waking Up: The script typically begins with waking up at a specific time, influenced by cultural norms and personal schedules. The act of waking up punctuates the start of the day and signals readiness for engagement.
Personal Hygiene: The script includes activities like brushing teeth, showering, and grooming. These practices reflect cultural expectations of cleanliness and personal care.
Clothing Choice: Selecting appropriate clothing is an essential part of the script. Cultural values and societal norms influence clothing choices, such as professional attire for work or casual wear for leisure.
Time Management: The script also involves time management, ensuring that each task is completed efficiently to meet daily commitments.
While the “getting ready for the day” script has its benefits, it can also have drawbacks. It can become overly rigid, leading to stress and anxiety if individuals are unable to adhere to it due to unexpected circumstances. Additionally, it may limit spontaneity and flexibility, as it encourages a structured approach to the day (Duke, 2009).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concepts of “islands of competence” and cultural scripts provide valuable insights into children’s cognitive development and the enduring influence of culture on daily life. The idea of “islands of competence” acknowledges the dynamic nature of cognitive development, recognizing that children exhibit varying degrees of competence in different areas. While this concept has strengths, including its emphasis on cultural context, it also has weaknesses, such as the potential for oversimplification.Cultural scripts, like the “dinner time at home” script, significantly impact children’s cognitive functioning . These scripts shape language development, social skills, cultural identity, and daily routines. They serve as a cultural framework that contributes to a child’s understanding of their place in society and the world.
Cultural scripts continue to influence individuals in adulthood, impacting daily routines, time management, personal identity, and personal development . The example of the “getting ready for the day” script highlights the enduring impact of cultural expectations on individual behaviors and choices.Understanding the interplay between cognitive development, cultural scripts, and their lifelong influence is crucial for appreciating the complexity of human development and behavior. These concepts remind us that individuals, whether young children or adults, are shaped by the cultural contexts in which they live and learn.
References
Bruner, J. S., Olver, R. R., & Greenfield, P. M. (1966). Studies in cognitive growth: A collaboration at the Center for Cognitive Studies. The Journal of Psychology, 64(3), 481-487.
Rogoff, B. (2003). The cultural nature of human development. Oxford University Press.
Duke, M. P. (2009). The daily routine: The effect of scripted behavior on daily life. Clinical Gerontologist, 32(2), 124-136.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the concept of “islands of competence” in child development?
“Islands of competence” is a concept in child development that suggests that even young children have areas or domains in which they exhibit advanced skills and understanding, while other areas may remain underdeveloped. It highlights the idea that children are not uniformly “incompetent” but may possess distinct strengths and abilities.
- What are cultural scripts in the context of child development?
Cultural scripts are social and cultural guidelines that provide a framework for how individuals, including children, should behave and what they should expect in various situations. These scripts reflect cultural norms, values, and expectations and shape the way individuals interact with the world.
- How do cultural scripts influence children’s cognitive development?
Cultural scripts influence children’s cognitive development by shaping their understanding of social norms, language, routines, and cultural values. Children learn through these scripts how to behave, communicate, and navigate daily life within their cultural context.
- Can the concept of “islands of competence” oversimplify children’s cognitive development?
Yes, the concept of “islands of competence” can potentially oversimplify children’s cognitive development by categorizing them into fixed competence areas. This oversimplification might lead to underestimating their abilities in certain domains and overlooking their potential for growth.
- How do cultural scripts continue to play a role in an individual’s adult life?
Cultural scripts continue to influence an individual’s adult life by shaping daily routines, time management, personal identity, and personal development. These scripts reflect cultural values and expectations, impacting behavior and choices in adulthood.
