Play During Infancy and Early Childhood: Cultural Similarities and Variations

Abstract

Play is a common, yet complex, activity in infancy and early childhood across cultures. Cross-culturally, early play shows both similarities and differences. This article documents the coexistence of cultural-general patterns alongside cultural variations in the development (i.e., emergence and changes), varieties (e.g., object play and pretend play), structures (e.g., frequency and play partners), and functions (e.g., training and learning) of early play. Factors such as individual characteristics of the child and the caregiver, physical ecology, interpersonal context, cultural beliefs, and family immigration status that contribute to cultural variations are also reviewed.