Making Meaning of Everyday Practices

Parents' Attitudes toward Children's Extracurricular Activities in the United States and in Italy

Bibliographic Data

ID2280433
AuthorsT Kremer-Sadlik (0000-0002-3702-0668, University of California, Los Angeles), Tamar Kremer‐sadlik, Carolina Izquierdo (0000-0002-8863-7983, University of California, Los Angeles), Marilena Fatigante (0000-0002-8880-7567, Sapienza University of Rome)
Year2010
Volume41
Issue1
Pages35-54
Publication date2010-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnthropology & Education Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0161-7761 • E-ISSN: 1548-1492
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1548-1492.2010.01066.x
OpenAlexW2128885192
LanguageEN
Citations received26
References cited25

This article focuses on children's engagement in extracurricular activities from the perspective of middle-class parents in Rome, Italy, and Los Angeles, California. Analysis of parents' accounts captured in interviews and ethnographic fieldwork reveals that both sets of parents perceive activities as important for children's success. Yet Roman parents consider activities as part of "children's world," downplaying intense involvement and performance. Conversely, L.A. parents view activities as preparing children for adult life, emphasizing competition and accomplishment. [childhood, extracurricular activities, family, United States, Italy

Developmental psychology · Ethnography · Everyday life · Political science · Sociology · Anthropology · Diverse Education Studies and Reforms · Gender Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics