overview

Flag courtesy of http://3dflags.com/html/gif/2/i/anmgif_italy_2fawm.html

What do you know about life in Italy? If you were posed this question you would probably talk about the food, clothing, and rich culture. Your first instinct would most likely not be to mention the children of Italy. In our freshman sociology course at Tulane University, we were asked to look at the lives of children in a country different than our own. Over a two-month span, we researched and developed ideas about children and their way of life in an Italian society. This website is a presentation of the information we acquired.

Map courtesy of http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/europe/italy/italy.htm

Everywhere around the world children play an important role in society. Depending on the country they live in, people have a different view and role of children. In Italy, society views children as the building blocks towards a better future. Parents and children in Italy have a special relationship with each other, as parents try to nurture and protect their children through their child’s vital years of growth. Parents aren’t the only ones nurturing the children of Italy; the entire community gets involved in providing the best education possible for children. There is an emphasis on early education, supported by the cooperation and involvement that families and communities follow to produce an educational reputation so highly regarded that many other countries try to follow it. Finally, children help each other grow. Interactions between children are as vital as the ones established by their parents and community, and play a prevalent role in their everyday lives. Through play, children in Italy try to better understand differences in status in society. Growing up in Italy is a positive experience supported by parents, family, community, and children. Here are some quick facts to help you get started!

QUICK FACTS

Total Population	58, 057, 477
Population Under 5	4.5%
Population Under 18	17.1%
Birth Rate	9.05 births/1000 people
Death Rate	10.21 deaths/1000 people
Infant Mortality Rage	4/1000 people
Literacy Rate	98.6
Life Expectancy	79

AGE STRUCTURE

0-14 Years	14%
15-64 Years	66.9%
65+ Years	19.1%

Special Thanks to William Corsaro of Indiana University for providing us with his services and knowledge as a country consultant throughout our Italian studies. We would also like to thank Professor April Brayfield for her dedication and help, as well as her guidance and assistance during the past semester.

References:

"Country Statistics- Italy." 2002. Unicef. http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/italy_statistics.html. Retrieved November 12, 2004.

"Italy." 2002. The CIA World Fact Book. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/it.html. Retrieved November 12, 2004.