Glossary

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D

Developmentalism

The application of a Eurocentric, Western view of children and childhood as unilinear, predictable, and eternal which posits the existence of a supposedly normal or typical development and trajectory ( p. 61)

Reference

Abawi, Z., Eizadirad, A., & Berman, R. (Eds.). (2021). Equity as praxis in early childhood education and care. Canadian Scholars.

Disposition

A prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination.
Temperamental makeup.
The tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances.

Reference

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Disposition. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disposition

Dualistic Thinking

To have a dual understanding of something would be to understand both (of two) sides. The word dualistic is etymologically rooted in “duo” or “two” (Harper, 2025).

In a philosophical sense, dualistic thinking can reinforce binary thinking, which is limiting and reductionist. It opposes large concepts, such as good/bad, right/wrong, strong/weak, etc.

Reference

Harper, D. (2021–2025). Dualism. Online Etymology Dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/dualism