Learning the rules

by Brian J. Bigelow

This unique and insightful volume is about childhood relationships - what they mean and how children manage them. Shedding light on how more mature and complex adult phenomena can be seen in their earlier nascent forms, the work also gives readers an understanding of the basic processes the govern relationships in general. The authors focus on what children themselves say, to illuminate the personal constructions they use order thier social reality, as well as to address the actual content and meaning of their relationships. In interpreting children's verbalized social rules with parents, siblings, peers, and teachers, the work provides a contextually informed framework from which to explore such issues as the impact of parental authority on child compliance, sibling rivalry, close friendships, and disclosure.