God and the Trolls: Socialization of Lappish Children in Northern Sweden. Reprints and Miniprints from Department of Educational and Psychological Research. No. 781.

This report notes that two cultures may view similar childhood behaviors differently, and cites results of studies that compared Swedish and Indian parents' attitudes toward children to support this statement. The report describes a study that examined parental attitudes and behaviors among Lappish families in Northern Sweden, in which data was obtained from interviews with parents and children and videotapes of family interactions. Subjects of the study were traditional Lappish villagers who still rely on reindeer herding, fishing, and other traditional occupations to earn a living, and have little contact with the Swedish government or welfare system. Essentially, Lappish parents believe that children should be raised as they have always been, that children should "do the right thing," and that children should have the common sense to know what the right thing is. Lappish children are trained to make their own decisions and take responsibility for the consequences, and are expected to follow traditional occupations. They are taught through traditional stories and learn that, through obedience to rules that enable them to function safely in the harsh traditional herder life, they can, ultimately, achieve personal freedom. (MDM)