Historical Changes in Allomothering on Tarama Island (Okinawa): A Frontier for Developmental Psychology

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  • 子育ての“手”をめぐる発達心理学：沖縄・多良間島の子守と保育から考える
  • コソダテ ノ"テ"オ メグル ハッタツ シンリガク : オキナワ ・ タリョウ カントウ ノ コモリ ト ホイク カラ カンガエル

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Abstract

<p>This study took place at Tarama Island (Okinawa, Japan) and examined changes in two types of allomothering (non-maternal childrearing system): traditional babysitting and institutionalized childcare in day nurseries. Framed within a social dynamics approach, this work proposed a human developmental perspective comprised by “era” and “locality.” We first investigated the transition of moriane (Okinawa's unique approach to babysitting) across different eras. Women born between 1943 and 1952 had the highest rate of moriane experiences, and this became less common thereafter although it has increased slightly in recent years. The establishment of a day nursery in 1979 was associated with mothers' higher educational expectations at that time. In addition, changes in childrearing practices were related to the development of social and educational infrastructure, and population dynamics. Around 1950, when the practice of moriane was the most prevalent, children under 15 years of age outnumbered adults (10% of the population was comprised by children under 3 years of age). Thereafter, adults have outnumbered children. Utilities such as electricity and water supply became available around 1972, with the return of Okinawa to Japan. In conclusion, based on the implications of allomothering practices on Tarama Island, we may debate the premises or biases related to understanding children from the perspective of developmental psychology.</p>

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