Betty, I think we are coming from entirely different places in our
analyses, and that can make for misperceptions of the other's
position. My critique is cultural (however one defines that),
and I see the child-centeredness of today as being one manifestation
of a cultural emphasis on individualism. Whether that's good or bad,
chaotic or nonchaotic, constructivist or nonconstructivist,
maturational or nonmaturational was really not my point. I do
consider myself a social constructionist who is primarily interested
in the socioemotional development of children. I am interested in
modes of childrearing as they reflect our cultural constructions
of the Good.
Robin