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.

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

`This multi-professional book is just what is needed for students and practitioners, as it raises important issues and challenges, and invites dialogue and reflection in a reader friendly way' - Tina Bruce, Freelance Consultant The second edition of this best-selling textbook provides students and practitioners with a broad introduction to the main theories and issues within the field of early childhood studies. The book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach and pulls together all the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood, and successfully demonstrates how these can be translated into real-life practice. Written by a team of leading academics and practitioners, this is a lively and engaging textbook, illustrated throughout, with student-friendly features such as `real-life' case studies and guides for further reading. The chapters cover all key aspects of the curriculum, including: the sociololgy of childhood; child health; child development; and the realities of working with children. This thoroughly updated and revised new edition also includes completely new chapters on research with children and leadership in early year settings. It is a core text for all those involved in the study of childhood, particularly undergraduates in the fields of child social care; social work; social policy and education. It is also an invaluable resource for practitioners and policy makers working with children.

In An Introduction to Childhood, Heather Montgomery examines the role children have played within anthropology, how they have been studied by anthropologists and how they have been portrayed and analyzed in ethnographic monographs over the last one hundred and fifty years. Offers a comprehensive overview of childhood from an anthropological perspective Draws upon a wide range of examples and evidence from different geographical areas and belief systems Synthesizes existing literature on the anthropology of childhood, while providing a fresh perspective Engages students with illustrative ethnographies to illuminate key topics and themes

What does it mean to think of children as social subjects and how should we go about studying childhood in society? Childhood is a key site where children come to understand themselves as particular kinds of people, not only as individuals but also as members of social and cultural groups. This compelling and accessible book explores how immature humans enter into political, economic, social and cultural life. Integrating key theories from a range of disciplines, Karen Wells provides a set of analytical tools to explore how culture, society, politics and economics shape childhood and children's lives. She explains how childhood is not only culturally shaped, but also formed at the intersection of politics and economics. At this intersection between governing practices and the affordances of children's bodies, young subjects are made. Childhood Studies will be essential reading for students and scholars in childhood and youth studies and related disciplines, and for anyone who wants to understand the impacts of social inequality on children and what it means to be a child in the contemporary world.

Linking theory to multi-professional practice, this resource explores the major themes of early childhood education. Each chapter summarizes key points, including learning, health, inclusion, and special educational needs.