ABSTRACT
This chapter presents many case studies for developing a cultural identity in young children. Developing a cultural identity is a fundamental and complex task for all young children and takes place initially within the family and then broadens out into the wider community and society. Children construct their identities from their experiences and through their interactions. This includes seeing themselves as part of a group sharing a culture. The ways in which they and other members of their group are represented will be crucial in doing this. So children construct their identities partially from how they are represented. The chapter examines the development of intersubjectivity, stressing that it originates from reciprocal social exchanges that include imitation, empathy, but also negotiation from which meanings, values and norms are eventually constructed with others. This process starts from birth via imitation and mirror processes that are important foundations for sociality providing a basic sense of social connectedness and mutual acknowledgement with others.
