.jpeg)
A diatribe against parenting interventions and ECD programs - Truths and half-truths are twisted in this article into specious arguments to denounce parenting interventions and the ECD “industry” led by UNICEF and its partners.
I’m not into conspiracy theories but I find it interesting that this attack from the “left” comes just as the Trump regime is dismantling development assistance to the Global South.
Robert
Click here for the article
Summary
This article critiques early childhood interventions in the Global South, arguing that they perpetuate a deficit narrative rooted in colonial thinking. Historically, Western science framed non-European children as cognitively inferior, justifying colonial rule. Today, global organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank push parenting programs aimed at "improving brain development", assuming that poor parenting is the cause of poverty. These interventions reflect Western, middle-class values and ignore cultural diversity in parenting. The scientific basis for claims about "stunted brains" in the Global South is weak, yet such narratives influence education, social policies, and even xenophobic immigration stances. Instead of imposing top-down solutions, the article calls for respecting local knowledge and recognizing diverse child-rearing practices.
Quotes
"Early childhood development interventions in the Global South is a huge industry built on highly questionable assumptions"
Summary
This article critiques early childhood interventions in the Global South, arguing that they perpetuate a deficit narrative rooted in colonial thinking. Historically, Western science framed non-European children as cognitively inferior, justifying colonial rule. Today, global organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank push parenting programs aimed at "improving brain development", assuming that poor parenting is the cause of poverty. These interventions reflect Western, middle-class values and ignore cultural diversity in parenting. The scientific basis for claims about "stunted brains" in the Global South is weak, yet such narratives influence education, social policies, and even xenophobic immigration stances. Instead of imposing top-down solutions, the article calls for respecting local knowledge and recognizing diverse child-rearing practices.
Quotes
"Early childhood development interventions in the Global South is a huge industry built on highly questionable assumptions"
“Building brains, building futures” – UNICEF’s slogan reflects the assumption that poor parenting is the root of underdevelopment.
I agree with Robert. Don't read this article.
ReplyDeleteWhy not study the article and counter it? For example, the piece in The Economist that is criticised dealt with the importance of iodine for brain development. Surely, that is correct. To criticise The Economist for flagging it is not.
ReplyDelete