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The Journal of Early Adolescence, Vol. 27, No. 4, 431-456 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0272431607302937

What Do They Usually Do After School?

A Comparative Analysis of Fourth-Grade Children in Bulgaria, Taiwan, and the United States

Joan Newman

University at Albany, SUNY

Temi Bidjerano

University at Albany, SUNY

Asil Ali Özdogru

University at Albany, SUNY

Chin-Cheng Kao

National Hua-lien University of Education, Taiwan

Çagri Özköse-Biyik

University at Albany, SUNY

John J. Johnson

Iona College, New Rochelle, New York

The activities and self-direction allowed after school provide children in different countries with distinct developmental opportunities that promote culturally valued orientations and outcomes. Fourth-grade children in Bulgaria, Taiwan, and the United States (countries with contrasting social values and expectations) reported their usual activities during each after-school hour on 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day. The children also reported whether the activities were self-chosen or chosen by an adult. There were considerable differences in the reported activity patterns, with particular contrast between the American and the Taiwanese children. Compared to American children, Taiwanese reported spending more time in academic and extracurricular pursuits and less time in playing, reading for fun, in sports, or in self-chosen activities. There was substantial agreement in the gender-based participation differences across countries. Girls reported less time spent in free play or computer games and more time in reading, extracurricular activities, routines, and adult-chosen activities.

Key Words: after-school activities • early adolescence • cross-cultural psychology • autonomy • gender differences


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