ERIC Number: EJ767119
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 17
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0039-3541
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Attitude towards Artwork in the Israeli Kindergarten and the Reproduction of Social Status
Toren, Zehava
Studies in Art Education: A Journal of Issues and Research in Art Education, v48 n2 p172-188 Win 2007
This research analyzes the attitudes of teachers, children, and parents toward artwork in Israeli kindergartens and the role this attitude plays in the reproduction theory of social status. This micro-ethnographic field research was carried out in two kindergartens. The teacher and the majority of parents of Kindergarten A concurred with the authoritative approach to art, focusing on standardization, which defines the teacher's role as evaluator, demonstrator, and conveyer of proper working habits and techniques. The teacher and parents of Kindergarten B concurred with the creative approach, focusing on self-expression, originality, imagination, and curiosity, and on the individual, encouraging and advising at child's request. Both approaches are reflected in the children's interviews, if in somewhat different balance. In the socialization and acculturation process, the educational system succeeded in creating a set of values that were shared by parents, children, and educators, according to the children's specific social status. The acquiescence of all concerned on how to impart artwork activities reinforces the existing social structure. This research is unique in its examination of the social aspect of artwork done in kindergartens, in light of the fact that the educational literature regards artwork as individualistic in nature, and fostering personal expression. (Contains 6 tables.)
Descriptors: Art Products, Art Activities, Kindergarten, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Preschool Teachers, Parent Attitudes, Social Status, Teaching Methods, Ethnography, Interviews, Foreign Countries
National Art Education Association. 1916 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 703-860-8000; Fax: 703-860-2960; Web site: http://www.NAEA-Reston.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Kindergarten
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Israel
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A