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Early Childhood Care and Development Research in Africa: Historical, Conceptual, and Structural Challenges
Author(s) -
Pence Alan
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
child development perspectives
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1750-8606
pISSN - 1750-8592
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-8606.2011.00165.x
Subject(s) - normative , psychology , identification (biology) , early childhood , conceptual framework , developmental psychology , sociology , political science , social science , botany , law , biology
Abstract— This article challenges the specter of the universal child and examines historical, conceptual, and structural factors that have resulted in a virtual absence of African‐led contributions to research on early childhood care and development. It considers the dark side of good work, questions who defines “normative and desirable” and how it is measured, and considers ways forward in promoting African research capacity, leadership, identification of key issues, and scholarly engagement with ideas regarding African children’s future and how best to ensure healthy, hopeful, and capable future generations.