This book introduces the inter-disciplinary study of childhood and youth and the multi-agency practice of professionals who serve the needs of children, young people and their families. Exploring key theories and central ideas, research methodology, policy and practice, it takes a holistic, contextual approach that values difference and diversity. It examines concepts such as identity, representation, creativity and discourse and issues such as ethnicity, gender and the ′childhood in crisis′ thesis. Furthermore, it challenges opinion by exploring complex and controversial modern-day issues, and by engaging with a range of perspectives to highlight debates within the field.
"This thoughtful book provides expert overviews of historical, sociological, psychological, cultural, legal and rights-informed approaches to childhood. Through these well written, readable chapters, students will be engaged with important debates in childhood studies, and led towards many ideas and problems for further investigation. This second edition includes new chapters arguing strongly for interdisciplinarity and for measured responses to the current 'crisis' in UK childhoods." Berry Mayall, Institute of Education, University of London, UK An Introduction to Childhood Studies offers a wide-ranging and thought-provoking approach to the study of childhood, providing an important contribution to this burgeoning area of research and teaching. It brings together key themes in the area of Childhood Studies, providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction for students and practitioners, helping to answer questions such as: What is childhood and how can it be studied and understood? How is the idea of childhood shaped by the society we live in? The contributors - who are leading figures in their fields - examine childhood from historical, socio-cultural and policy perspectives. They explore aspects such as the construction of childhood, children's literature, childhood in the digital age and children's rights. Revised and updated throughout, the new edition includes: An expanded introductory chapter - Childhood Studies: past, present, future A new chapter on children's rights and educational provision A new concluding chapter - The future of childhood Revised and updated chapters Further reading suggestions for each chapter An Introduction to Childhood Studies is a key text for students on courses in childhood studies, child psychology, social policy and the sociology of youth and childhood.
In this timely study, high profile researchers contribute to the burgeoning field of the social studies of childhood with original and often surprising perspectives and approaches. With chapters on children's agency in small worlds and childhood's placement in large scale relationships, the book shows not only the variety of childhood(s), but also suggests that much is common in a generational context.
This popular and bestselling textbook provides an introduction to the field of childhood studies and offers a broad-based, comprehensive and accessible resource which brings together key themes in the area of childhood studies to provide a timely and scholarly introduction. This new collection includes all the key themes of debate and interest and each chapter is written by an expert in a specific area of childhood studies and many chapters are authored by leading figures in their field. The new third edition builds on the success of earlier editions, maintaining chapters of enduring value while incorporating some fresh new chapters on integrated working with children; childhood sexualisation; and child soldiers. Hence the book remains intellectually robust, scholarly and confident in its academic approach, a feature that distinguishes the title from many of its competitors. The new edition also introduces additional pedagogy with interactive activities, annotated suggestions for further reading, and end-of-chapter bullet point summaries. An Introduction to Childhood Studies 3E is invaluable reading for students, lecturers and practitioners from a range of professional and academic interests and particularly for those studying courses in Childhood Studies and Early Childhood Studies. Contributors: David Buckingham, Diana Gittins, Chris Jenks, Glenda MacNaughton, Heather Montgomery, Jane Read, Wendy Stainton Rogers, Mats Utas, Valerie Walkerdine, Martin Woodhead
A landmark publication in the field, this state of the art reference work, with contributions from leading thinkers across a range of disciplines, is an essential guide to the study of children and childhood, and sets out future research agendas for the subject.
The nature of childhood, the consideration of whether a certain age denotes innocence or not, and the desire to teach good citizenship to our children are all issues commonly discussed by today's media. This book brings together a variety of perspectives on the study of childhood: how this has been treated historically and how such a concept is developing as we move into the next century. The book is divided into five main sections: * part one sets the scene and provides the reader with an overview of attitudes towards childhood. * part two surveys the contribution of literature from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries * part three examines educational issues such as childrens' play, language acquisition and spiritual development * part four looks at the representation of children in film, television and other mass media * part five offers further help for study and research This book draws on a number of academic disciplines including education, literature, theology, language studies and history. It will be of particular use to those on Childhood studies courses and all those studying for a teacher qualification. Teachers of children aged between 4-12 years old will find its contribution to their continuing professional development extremely helpful.
This fully updated new edition offers a comprehensive, accessible, yet rigorous introduction to the study of Early Childhood that will will add value to any Early Childhood Studies course at both foundation and degree level. Addressing both care and education in the Early Years, the book considers a range of multi-disciplinary aspects of Early Childhood; including health, social, educational, psychological and sociological perspectives. Early Childhood Studies engages the reader by providing real-world examples that underpin theoretical perspectives and bring examples to life, while encouraging practitioners to engage in reflective practice by considering their own similar experiences. Key features include: Engaging activities and case studies that bring theory to life Cutting-edge research Practical tasks and advice with points for further reading End of chapter summaries, Reflective Tasks and Study Skills boxes in each chapter Full colour illustrations throughout This core introductory textbook is an indispensable resource for Early Years’ students and professionals, whatever their level of expertise or experience.
This four-volume encyclopedia covers a wide range of themes and topics, including: Social constructions of childhood, Children's rights, Politics/representations/geographies, Child-specific research methods, Histories of childhood/Transnational childhoods, Sociology/anthropology of childhood theories and Theorists key concepts. This interdisciplinary encyclopedia will be of interest to students and researchers in: Childhood studies, Sociology/Anthropology, Psychology/Education, Social Welfare, Cultural studies/Gender studies/Disabilty studies.
For students of Early Childhood Studies, questions are as important as answers. What is childhood? Is childhood the same in all cultures? How do children grow and develop? What space do we make for children in our society? How do adults approach risk and what does this mean for children? Can children’s play be planned by adults? Early Childhood Studies tackles these questions and more. It explores the why, how and what of studying and working with young children and their families, considering how a range of theories can help us to identify useful questions. This is a comprehensive, up-to-date, challenging and accessible core text for the Early Childhood Studies course. Throughout, key theories and research findings are highlighted and explored to help link theory and practice. It covers the important themes of child development, communication, wellbeing, observation, working with parents, inclusive practice, leadership and research. This fourth edition has been fully updated throughout and includes new chapters on children and risk, inclusive learning environments, play and adults′ concepts of childhood.
This new edition of this bestselling textbook examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings. Key additions include: the latest changes in early years policy 2 brand new chapters on Postmodernist theories in Education, and Education for Sustainable Development A renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.
