..". carefully researched and clearly written... Goodwin makes a major step in redefining the enterprise of studying language use in context and across contexts." --American Ethnologist

"I recommend the book highly."--John Haviland, American Anthropologist

"Goodwin's thoughtful interpretation of these examples of children's conversation] is replete with wise insights, challenging critical darts, and well-referenced links to a wide literature." --Child Development Abstracts & Bibliography

"Intellectual breadth shines through this book." --Barrie Thorne
"By combining...

In this ground-breaking ethnography of girls on a playground, Goodwin offers a window into their complex social worlds.

• Combats stereotypes that have dominated theories on female moral development by challenging the notion that girls are inherently supportive of each other
• Examines the stances that girls on a playground in a multicultural school setting assume and shows how they position themselves in their peer groups
• Documents the language practices and degradation...