1.1.C. Neighbourhood and community
What about a child’s neighbourhood or community? How would the experiences of a child living in a heavily populated urban centre differ from those of a child living in a small rural community?
Communities can have powerful effects on children and families. The mapping research described in the Developmental Health module makes this clear.
Listen to Jane Bertrand discussing why people who work with young children should be concerned and knowledgeable about the communities in which children and their families live.
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Reflect
- Think about different communities or neighborhoods you are familiar with.
- How do these communities differ (e.g. availability of parks/playgrounds, access to health care, level of violence, etc.)?
- How might factors such as available play space, access to health care and neighbourhood crime impact children and families?
Alan Mirabelli strongly believes in the importance of neighbourhoods in raising children. He looks beyond factors physical qualities such as play space and is concerned about practices that make it difficult for children to feel secure.
View >> (3:20)
Reflect
- What do you think about Mirabelli’s statement that we start children ‘from a place of fear’ rather than ‘a place of love’? What are the ethical implications?
- How does this relate to the concept of social cohesion?
- How friendly are environments for children that you know? Were you freer to roam the neighbourhood than children around you are today – or not?
