A Universal Child? - Softcover

Smith, Roger

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1403907854 ISBN 13: 9781403907851

Publisher: Red Globe Press, 2009

Synopsis

We all have our own idea of what childhood is, but it is surprisingly difficult to pin down - and widely debated among politicians, professionals, academics, and even parents and children themselves. .

This important book questions and analyzes what it is to be a child, focusing on the theory and evidence. Part I identifies aspects of childhood that provide an analytical framework for the book's subsequent discussion. Part II considers "childhood in context" - examining both historical and contemporary evidence from around the world. Part III draws together these discussions to assess the question of whether, and to what extent, childhood is a fixed or fluid phenomenon. Throughout, the author:

• Draws on evidence from an array of cultures, contexts and forms of social organization
• Explores the complementary value of psychological, biological and sociological theories
• Considers anthropological, geographical and environmental influences on children's lives
• Seeks to understand the impact of policy and law on how children are treated and perceived

A Universal Child? makes you think about your own childhood, the world in which today's children live and the variety of experiences which can be defined as a childhood. It provides a clear base for further analysis and debate for all those interested in what it means to be a child, making it invaluable reading for students of Childhood Studies and those studying related social science courses

About this title

From the Back Cover:

What is a child?  Is childhood a universal concept or is it disappearing in modern society?

We all have our own idea of what childhood is, but it is surprisingly difficult to pin down – and widely debated among politicians, professionals, academics, and even parents and children themselves.

This important book questions and analyses what it is to be a child, focusing on the theory and evidence. Part I identifies aspects of childhood that provide an analytical framework for the book's subsequent discussion. Part II considers 'childhood in context' – examining both historical and contemporary evidence from around the world. Part III draws together these discussions to assess the question of whether, and to what extent, childhood is a fixed or fluid phenomenon. Throughout, the author:

? Draws on evidence from an array of cultures, contexts and forms of social organization.
? Explores the complementary value of psychological, biological and sociological theories.
? Considers anthropological, geographical and environmental influences on children's lives.
? Seeks to understand the impact of policy and law on how children are treated and perceived.

A Universal Child? makes you think about your own childhood, the world in which today's children live and the variety of experiences which can be defined as a childhood. It provides a clear base for further analysis and debate for all those interested in what it means to be a child, making it invaluable reading for students of Childhood Studies and those studying related social science courses

About the Author:

ROGER SMITH is Professor of Social Work Research at School of Applied Social Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.

About this edition

• Publisher: Red Globe Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1403907854
• ISBN 13: 9781403907851
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208