Mother and Infant Activity and Interaction in Israel and in the United States: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Activities and interactions of Israeli and US mothers and their 5-month-old infants were observed in the natural setting of their homes. This report examines infant visual and tactual exploration and vocalisation as well as maternal stimulation and speech. First, similarities and differences in activities between Israeli and US infants and mothers are assessed. Next, coherence in infant activities and in maternal activities within each society are evaluated, and resultant patterns of coherence between the two societies are compared. Last, correspondences between infant and maternal activities in each society are analysed, and resultant patterns of mother-infant interactions between the two societies are compared. Identification and description of activities, interactions, and developmental processes which are similar and different in comparable segments of Israeli and US society are discussed, and crosscultural tests of developmental issues related to coherence and to correspondence of activity in mother-infant dyads are evaluated. Israeli and US mothers may follow culture-specific paths in striving to meet infants' needs and in achieving socialisation goals.