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The infant caring process among Cherokee mothers
1University of Tulsa, School of Nursing, Oklahoma, USA.
Summary
Cherokee mothers utilize a distinct social process for infant care, focusing on cultural integration and noncoercive discipline. This study identified eight key concepts guiding their nurturing practices.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Indigenous Studies
Background:
- Understanding cultural variations in infant care is crucial for holistic child development.
- Cherokee infant care practices have not been extensively documented in recent scientific literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe the social process of infant care as practiced by Cherokee mothers.
- To explore the cultural concepts underpinning Cherokee infant nurturing.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 19 Cherokee mothers with infants under two years old.
- Constant comparative analysis of interview data to identify emergent themes and concepts.
Main Results:
- A social process of Cherokee infant care was identified, encompassing eight core concepts.
- Key concepts include 'being a Cherokee mother,' accommodating everyday care and health beliefs, building a support network, spiritual living, cultural merging, noncoercive discipline, and observing infant development.
Conclusions:
- Cherokee infant care is a culturally embedded social process.
- The identified concepts offer insights into culturally sensitive approaches to child-rearing within the Cherokee community.