[Caring for children in the face of social mutations]

Gérard Neyrand1

  • 1Université Toulouse. cimerss@sfr.fr

Insights

Over 50 years, infant research transformed babies from vegetative beings to recognized persons. This shift created a new socialization model impacting parenting and professional practices amid social changes.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Sociology

Context:

  • Historical evolution of infant perception over 50 years.
  • Influence of research on hospitalism, attachment, and infant intelligence.
  • Shift from viewing infants as passive to active participants in their development.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the paradigm shift in infant recognition.
  • To explore the emergence of a new socialization model.
  • To examine the impact of these changes on professional and parenting practices.

Summary:

  • Infant studies over five decades have redefined babies' status from vegetative beings to recognized individuals.
  • A novel socialization model has emerged, involving diverse actors facing modern societal shifts.
  • Contemporary changes are reshaping both professional caregiving and parenting methodologies.

Impact:

  • Recognizing infants as persons has profound implications for early childhood development and care.
  • The evolving socialization model necessitates adaptation in childcare and educational settings.
  • Understanding these transformations is crucial for supporting families and professionals in navigating modern societal changes.

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