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The Sociology of Early Childhood is a theoretically and historically grounded examination of young children s experiences in contemporary society.
Arguing that a sociology of early childhood must bring together and integrate different disciplines, this book:
- synthesises different sociological perspectives on childhood as well as incorporating multi-disciplinary research findings on the lives of young children
- explains key theoretical concepts in early childhood studies such as investment, early intervention, professional power and discourse
- examines the importance of play, memory and place
- evaluates long term parenting trends
- uses illustrative examples and case studies, discussion questions and annotated further reading to engage and stimulate readers.
Invigorating and thought provoking, this is an invaluable read for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students looking for a more nuanced and progressive understanding of childhood.
List of contents
Introduction
Historical and Sociological Approaches on Childhood
A Relational Sociology of Early Childhood
Growing Up Beside You - Social Habitus in Early Childhood
Young Children's Play - Challenging the Adult Establishment
Civilising young children - long-term parenting trends
New Media Technologies and the Sexualisation of Childhood
Conclusions
About the author
Norman Gabriel is a sociologist teaching Childhood Studies at the University of Essex. Inspired by Norbert Elias, his research interests are in relational sociology and the sociology of early childhood. With Professor Stephen Mennell he co-edited, ′Norbert Elias and Figurational Research: Processual Thinking in Sociology′ (2011), a Monograph for The Sociological Review series. He is currently working on a book on Norbert Elias′s political sociology (co-authored with Professor Lars Bo Kaspersen).
Summary
Introducing readers to the key historical and sociological perspectives on childhood, this book includes discussion features to encourage students to be critical and discursive around the subject
Report
This book is a valuable addition to Early Childhood Studies, it plays an important part in developing our students' sociological perspectives on childhood; an important component of this multi-disciplinary degree.
Ruby Oates
