Scaffolding in socialization

This article discusses the role that scaffolding plays in child socialization. Although current views suggest that scaffolding may be an uncommon informal learning arrangement in many cultures, comparative data on this topic are sparse. Additionally, even if scaffolding is relatively rare in children's informal learning, it may be important in certain learning situations and thereby play a significant role in child socialization. This article discusses types of cultural knowledge and skills that may involve scaffolded learning. In addition, it describes three temporal dimensions of scaffolding from the vantage point of socialization: scaffolding in specific learning episodes, scaffolding across learning experiences, and scaffolding across generations.