The Children Of Indonesi A Cultural Perspective - 1610 Words

Every childhood is unique in its own way owing to diverse socio economic and cultural influences. To understand autonomy in its truest sense, it becomes pertinent that autonomy be viewed in relation to different childhood situations. We can then see how the meaning and manifestation of autonomy mutates to suit a particular childhood situation. I have presented three diverse childhood scenarios, first about the street children of Indonesia, second about an urban American boy and the third of my own. There are many factors that play a role in the development of autonomy in children. One such factor that influences this trait is the environment of the child. The Reggio approach acknowledges the interdependence of individual and social learning and also the part culture plays in understanding this interdependence (Fraser Gestwicki, 2002). An example of this can be observed among the street children of Indonesia. The mainstream society of Indonesia largely views the existence of street children as a contradiction to their basic beliefs on family values and public order. To combat this social subordination, street children (mainly boys) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia have developed strategies of their own, one of which involves appropriation of selected areas within the city where they are able to get employment opportunities, feel secure and find means of enjoyment. These urban pockets have become a haven for these street children where they are able to cultivate an identity of