2. Ecology of childhood research
When we think of research related to the ecology of childhood, it can mean almost anything related to childhood environments and experiences. The examples chosen in this section are diverse but relate to all of the layers of influence in a child’s life
Research is about understanding, and, to some extent trying to predict, the world around us. Our cultural experiences influence the kind of research that is undertaken, how it is done, and what may follow in terms of implementations that affect children and society. Therefore, it is important to consider our own perspectives on human development and how context influences our views. In the following videos, Dr. Kofi Marfo, former Director of the Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, provides valuable insight.
In the first video, Dr. Kofi Marfo, founding director of the Institute for Human Development at Aga Khan University, challenges us to examine our perspectives on human development.
Can you think of examples of how children or human development is viewed in your culture that is different from the Euro-Western perspectives that dominate the child development literature – and research?
Are there cultures within your country in which perspectives differ from that of the dominant local culture?
In the next video, Marfo discusses knowledge as something that we construct rather than as an objective matter of evidence and proof.
How do you feel your context has influenced your knowledge and understanding of child development?
Do you feel there is respect for cultural knowledge amongst academics, program leaders, and policymakers where you live?
What does Marfo mean when he states that “knowledge itself is a system”? What does this imply for early child development research and practices?
The pages that follow will present research related to a variety of topics including:
- The changing nature of family life
- The impact of gender disparity on girl’s lives
- The benefits of early childhood education programs for children, families, and communities?
- The detrimental influence of environmental risks and climate change on child well-being
- Children growing up in challenging circumstances
