Internet Connection


1			Though cases in which children grow up with limited human contact are tragic, they provide valuable and fascinating information about the importance of childhood socialization. FeralChildren.com (www.feralchildren.com/en/index.php) provides extensive information on a number of such children. Click on the photograph of Genie on the right-hand side of the page, and read the excerpt about her discovery and subsequent social development. What were some of the physical problems Genie had when she was first discovered? Were any of them related to her lack of social interaction? Initially, Genie's ability to learn normal human behaviors, such as dressing herself, was quite rapid. Does this surprise you? How would you explain it? Genie became the subject of an elaborate scientific study that greatly affected her daily life. In your view, was this study ethical? Despite her limitations and previous history of abuse, Genie seemed to have an insatiable appetite for learning. Does this surprise you? Do you think it implies anything about fundamental human traits? For a period of time, scientists were not sure whether or not Genie was mentally retarded, and ultimately decided that she was not. Consider this issue more carefully. If a person raised without normal human contact can appear to be retarded, then what does this say about the importance of socialization?




2			Parents are a key agent of socialization. The National Fatherhood Initiative (www.fatherhood.org) is an organization whose purpose is to educate fathers about their crucial role in socializing their children. Explore this site to learn more about the efforts of this organization. From the homepage, click on "About." What is the NFI's mission? Now click on "NFI History." Why did Don Eberly found the National Fatherhood Initiative? Do you agree that "Widespread fatherlessness is the most socially consequential problem of our time"? If so, what, in your view, are some of the reasons? Do you agree that American society needs organizations like this one? Click on "NFI in the News," select one article, and summarize it. Click on the link to "Research," and then the link to "Father Facts" at the bottom of the page. Click on "Top Ten Father Facts." Fact #8 implies that growing up without a father in the home leads to a higher likelihood of various social problems. Do you agree that there should be a distinction made between an involved father and an involved father who lives with his children?

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