https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIZ8PkLMMUo
There are quite a wide array of factors that are important in influencing childhood development. While an argument could be made for which of these factors is the “most” influential, Tom Weisner poses the thought that location is of the upmost importance regarding a child’s development. He goes on to elaborate on a number of factors that are heavily influenced by the location in which a child is raised such as financial stability, social settings, religious beliefs, and many other aspects of life.
Weisner discusses the concept of WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) societies throughout his talk and provides examples of multiple differences between “WEIRD” and “non-WEIRD” societies. While Weisner does not necessarily say one type of society is “better” than the other, however, he does discuss a number of privileges often afforded to children amongst WEIRD societies. For example, despite only 12% of the world being considered as “WEIRD”, 90% of research within the field of psychology takes place within these WEIRD societies. This means that the vast majority of advancements made within the field of psychology are based on and likely more applicable to WEIRD cultures.
One interesting aspect of non WEIRD communities that Weisner highlights is the emphasis on collaboration. Weisner goes on to elaborate on how non WEIRD societies and civilizations are less focused on individualism and place a higher degree of emphasis on community. It is common for child care to be more socially distributed amongst these groups i.e parents play less of an influence on a child’s development as it is more common for extended family members and members of the community to play a major role in the raising of a child.
Towards the end of his TED Talk, Weisner makes a simple yet profound statement on just how important location is in a child’s growth. While wrapping up his thoughts on his primary claim regarding this belief and discussing a variety of communities, Weisner poses the question, “What kind of child is considered desirable and morally important in that community?” This concise statement perfectly wraps up Weisners theory in a powerful manner by contrasting what is valued amongst different societies. A child with traits that could be seen as advantageous in one society could be at a major disadvantage in another. A child’s gender, sexuality, religious beliefs and social attitudes will all have a varying degree of influence depending on the culture in which they are raised.
Overall, Weisner provides a unique perspective on the complex question of what is the most important factor in childhood development.
