Part One, Section 7 (to page 51) Summary and Analysis

Once a child reaches the age of six in Jalco, it is customary for adults and neighbors to take part in the child's discipline. Ernie describes how family friends and acquaintances, and even those adults who are not family friends, often correct the children's behavior when they see an infraction. Jalco children learn that someone is always watching them. If the grievance is bad enough, word will get back to their parents and they will be punished. Manners and respectful behavior are highly valued by Jalco adults.

Children are expected to assist when called upon by an adult, particularly by the mothers in the village. It is common for an adult to ask neighbor children to run errands. The prevailing rules of acceptable behavior require the children to use a specific greeting when...