We're Friends, Right?: Inside Kids' Culture

by William A. Corsaro

Sociologists often study exotic cultures by immersing themselves in an environment until they become accepted as insiders. In this fascinating account by acclaimed researcher William A. Corsaro, a scientist "goes native" to study the secret world of children.

Here, for the first time, are the children themselves, heard through an expert who knows that the only way to truly understand them is by becoming a member of their community. That's just what Corsaro did when he traded in his adult perspective for a seat in the sandbox alongside groups of preschoolers.

Corsaro's journey of discovery is as fascinating as it is revealing. Living among and gaining the acceptance of children, he gradually comes to understand that a child's world is far more complex than anyone ever suspected. He documents a special culture, unique unto itself, in which children create their own social structures and exert their own influences.

At a time when many parents fear that they don't spend enough time with their children, and experts debate the best path to healthy development, seeing childhood through the eyes of a child offers parents and caregivers fresh and compelling insights. Corsaro calls upon all adults to appreciate, embrace, and savor their children's culture. He asks us to take a cue from those we hold so precious and understand that "we're all friends, right?"

Genres: Ethnography

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2003

Reviews

[Akim Aalou]

Corsaro has contributed dramatically to contemporary childhood studies. Although I recognize the importance of his work, I remain unsatisfied theoretically and insecure about the promised richness of ethnographic work. Let us hope that his work will enable us to get more insights into and contribute more convincingly to a theoretical understanding of children and social life in general.

[Aubrey Lennon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learning about kids peer culture from the perspective of kids. Ex: kids playing and not letting others join is a form of protecting their fragile play and wanting to continue sharing what they are sharing apparently? Personally, I think it’s stupid.

[Yasmine Alina a · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read and very insightful

[Doris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my sociology class, Youth & Society.

This is an ethnographic examination of preschool peer cultures in the U.S. and in Italy. The tone is of course didactic and academic, as Corsaro relies on many sociological terms and ideas, but the book remains interesting with its interweaving of personal stories, verbatim dialogue, and insightful explanations.