Enculturation

What is it, and why is it worth talking about?

Childhood in any society is a dynamic period of life. One aspect of childhood that is constant across cultures is that people emerge from this period with a wish to become competent, productive adults. Cultures differ, however, in exactly what they mean by “competent”and“productive.”Despite similarities in the overall goals of development, cultures exhibit a tremendous degree of variability in its content.

Each culture has some understanding of the adult competencies needed for adequate functioning (Kagitcibasi, 1996b; Ogbu, 1981), but these competencies differ by culture and environment. For example, children who need a formal education to succeed in their culture are likely to be exposed to these values early in childhood. These children are likely to receive books and instruction at a young age. Children in another culture may be required to do spinning and weaving as part of their adult livelihood. These children are likely to receive exposure to those crafts at an early ag…