SOCIAL PRISMS: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF CHILDREARING MANUALS

Abstract  This paper presents findings from a comparative study of childrearing values and practices in four countries–Japan, People's Republic of China, France, and United States–based upon a content analysis of the ten best-selling childrearing manuals in each country during the last decade of the twentieth century. A uniform set of procedures was used to classify and analyze the content of the manuals. Selected findings are discussed regarding: (1) management of the child's body and bodily functions: 12) management and shaping of the child's behavior; and (3) roles and role relationships within the family and outside. While cultural differences remain, two general trends emerge from the analysis. One is a trend toward more flexible child care practices and greater sensitivity to the character and needs of the individual child. The second is a convergence of opinion on many aspects of children's upbringing. Global trends that are affecting the production and dissemination of childrearing advice are also discussed.