Abstract

PENA-RAMOS, Martha Olivia; VERA-NORIEGA, José Ángel  and  SANTIZ-LOPEZ, Jesús Edén. Childhood and child-rearing in a Tzeltal indigenous rural area in Los Altos de Chiapas. Rev.latinoam.cienc.soc.niñez juv [online]. 2018, vol.16, n.1, pp.149-162. ISSN 1692-715X.  https://doi.org/10.11600/1692715x.16108.

This paper describes a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach that investigates the characteristics of the parenting practices and styles of mothers with children aged 1-6 years in an area of Oxchuc, Chiapas, Mexico, who speak the Tzeltal language. 20 women were selected from the community and were the subjects of semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The results indicate the important role of chulel (souls or spirits) in child development. Work and the world of rituals are reference points for the education of children. The researchers observed the importance of children’s games and social interactions without adults setting the rules. Lack of respect for others and not knowing how to follow instructions is physically and verbally punished. An alternative conceptual model is proposed to describe the child-rearing processes in this indigenous region.

Keywords : Parenting practices; child development; Tzeltal indigenous people (Isoc Psychology and Sociology Thesaurus).

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