Parental perceptions of the social development of chilren in early childhood : a collective case study in Southern Mozambique

Abstract

Child social development theory has been developed within a strong Euro-American context. This study seeks to understand social development in children in early childhood within southern Mozambique. A preliminary literature review was conducted, which formed the basis of a semi-structured interview schedule. A collective case study sampling method was utilized with all respondents being parents’ of children below the age of six years who were enrolled in the community school. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 mothers in the community of Patrice Lumumbe. The data obtained during this research was translated by a team of cultural guides and interpreters as well as recorded using a Dictaphone. A second literature review was then conducted. The outcome of these interviews was then compared with existing literature and development theory. The research found that developmental milestones noted in the developmental theories of Freud and Erikson is congruent with what parents’ expected of their children within this community. Mothers’ are expected to instinctively know what their children need. Initiative in children is highly valued. Recommendations that emerged included conducting a comparative study in a neighboring community and implementing a study, which focuses specifically on the perceptions of fathers in these communities.