The most important factor in framing worldview in Asian societies is family. Family is the primary social institution within which individuals are born, learn, marry, work, play, and enact the main elements of worldview. Children are taught proper social behavior and to respect the values and traditions of their culture, such as being filial and worshiping ones' ancestors.

You will be assigned topics that reflect the issues surrounding the lives of Asian children. Use what you have learned to write a Research Report in which you evaluate the factors that influence the societal roles and expectations of children. To prepare for your report, you will research the impact of gender, social class, education, and economics, among other topics.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

A one-year-old girl and her parents dress up to celebrate her first major milestone in life, Seoul, 1987. Courtesy Lee Hyseok

• What does the photograph reveal about the age and social class of the child?
• What impact might the sex of this child have on her life as she grows up?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research the factors that determine how Asian children are raised, noting in particular issues relating to gender, social class, and the traditional values of each society. Remember that your report will need to contain specific details from your readings.

Use the Compare and Contrast Chart to organize your information. In the first column, write details about the lives of young girls. In the second column, write details about young boys.

Write your report. Remember to state a clear thesis that points out important similarities and differences in these Asian societies.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your performance:

• Did you state your thesis clearly?
• Did you ensure that your report is focused and logically organized?
• Did you include specific cultural facts and supporting details?
• Did you follow rules of grammar and style?