Final answer:
The acceptance or rejection of the Taung child as a fossil hominin was influenced by prevailing scientific theories, influence of prominent scientists and institutions, and racial and political biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acceptance or rejection of the Taung child as a fossil hominin was influenced by several social and political factors. One factor was the prevailing scientific and anthropological theories at the time. During the early 20th century, there was a debate between scientists who argued for a more ape-like interpretation of human evolution and those who supported a more human-like interpretation. This ideological divide influenced how the Taung child fossil was interpreted and accepted.
Another factor was the influence of prominent scientists and institutions. Raymond Dart, who discovered the Taung child, faced criticism and skepticism from some prominent scientists who held different views on human evolution. Their influence and authority led to the rejection of the Taung child as a true hominin by some in the scientific community.