This popular and bestselling textbook provides an introduction to the field of childhood studies and offers a broad-based, comprehensive and accessible insight into the area. Reflecting the nature of childhood studies as an interdisciplinary field that crosses many traditional academic and professional boundaries, each chapter is authored by a leading figure in a specific area of childhood studies. With its range of key themes and insightful analysis this book has firmly established itself as a much loved and essential resource. This new third edition builds on the success of earlier editions retaining its classic chapters of enduring value while incorporating some fresh new content. Four new chapters - chosen to highlight and consider new developments in the field - explore anthropological approaches to childhood; integrated working with children; the sexualization of childhood; and children in armed conflict. Intellectually robust, scholarly and confident in its academic approach, this new edition also includes some new interactive activities to help you get to grips with the issues. An Introduction to Childhood Studies 3E is invaluable reading for students, lecturers and practitioners with a range of professional and academic interests and particularly for those studying courses in Childhood Studies.Mary Jane Kehily is Professor of Gender and Education at The Open University
Understanding childhood: an introduction to some key themes and issuesSection One: Studying Childhood
Childhood Studies: past, present and future
The historical construction of childhood
Section Two: Socio-Cultural Approaches
The Sociology of Childhood
Developmental psychology and the construction of the child
Anthropological approaches to childhood
Section Three: Policy Perspectives
Promoting better childhoods
Children's Rights and educational provision
Working with children: an integrated approach
Section Four: Emergent Issues
New media, new childhoods?
Childhood sexualisation
Children in conflict: the case of child soldiers
The Future of Childhood?