Abstract

REMORINI, Carolina. Growing in motion: Ethnographic research on child development in Mbya communities (Argentina). Rev.latinoam.cienc.soc.niñez juv [online]. 2010, vol.8, n.2, pp.961-980. ISSN 1692-715X.

The aim of this article is to analyze and discuss some results from an ethnographic research developed on Mbya communities from Argentina focused on representations and practices related to childrearing and development during the first stages of life course. In this paper I characterize Mbya linguistic categories, representations and values about growth and development processes, focusing on motor function as a central indicator of growth and health. In relation to that, I have focused on daily practices oriented to promoting it as well as the beliefs and knowledge that justify them. Based on that, I stress on the close relationship between movement, health and identity. I discuss the results of my research within the frame of concepts and perspectives from anthropology, sociology and psychology, in order to move forward towards integrating contributions from different disciplines in the holistic study of motor function and other ways of body education and their consequences on child development in diverse eco-cultural and historical contexts.

Keywords : infant development; rearing practices; life course; body; motor function; ethnography; Argentina.

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