The Sociology of Early Childhood

Critical Perspectives

Norman Gabriel, Author

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN:
  9781446272992
  9781446272985
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9781473934221
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Education General
• Index: Social Sciences

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. 

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Publisher Note
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• About the Author
• Acknowledgements
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Historical and sociological perspectives on childhood
• 3 A relational sociology of early childhood
• 4 Growing up beside you – social habitus in early childhood
• 5 Young children’s play – challenging the adult establishment
• 6 Civilising young children – long-term parenting trends
• 7 New Media Technologies And The Sexualisation Of Childhood
• 8 Conclusions
• Index