Social, cultural and economic factors shaping children's learning and development

This chapter will support students understanding of social, cultural and economic factors that influence young children’s learning and development. Sociological perspectives of childhood will be explored and how primary and secondary socialisation influences children’s learning, development and identity. Social capital including local, national and international perspectives of relationships will be considered, with a focus on Bronfenbrenner’s eco-logical systems theory, and how the systems can support children and their families. Community and cultural influences have a huge impact on families therefore these considerations will be discussed and attention given to poverty and social mobility. The voice of the child will be interpreted throughout the chapter and how young children’s views and opinions are listened to and taken into consideration.