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Debating Childhoods
Critical Perspectives on Early Childhood
Edited by:
- Joe Brown - University of the West of England, UK
- Timothy Clark - University of the West of England, UK
October 2025 | 152 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This book aims to challenge dominant narratives of childhood, offering a critical exploration of ten contemporary debates.
Authored by experienced professionals and academics in the field, this thought-provoking book examines the impact of these debates on children's lived experiences through a socio-cultural lens. Bolstered by reflective questions and illustrative case studies, it stimulates discussions on social justice, children's rights, and their positioning within political and economic contexts.
Written for students and professionals, ‘Debating Childhoods’ serves as a catalyst for critical engagement and aims to empower current and future scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to consider their roles in shaping the lives of young children.
Authored by experienced professionals and academics in the field, this thought-provoking book examines the impact of these debates on children's lived experiences through a socio-cultural lens. Bolstered by reflective questions and illustrative case studies, it stimulates discussions on social justice, children's rights, and their positioning within political and economic contexts.
Written for students and professionals, ‘Debating Childhoods’ serves as a catalyst for critical engagement and aims to empower current and future scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to consider their roles in shaping the lives of young children.
Joe Brown & Timothy Clark
Chapter 1: Constructions of Childhood
Joe Brown & Alex Morfaki
Chapter 2: The Neo-Liberal Child: Current consumers, future workers
Jeanette Simson
Chapter 3: The Successful Child: Forms of capital and childhood
Helen Butcher & Jane Andrews
Chapter 4: Children as Rights Holders: Rhetoric or reality?
Eleri John & Joanne Munyard
Chapter 5: Policy: For children or about children?
Katrina Diamond & Melissa Arrowsmith
Chapter 6: The Commercialisation of Childhood
Jackie Musgrave
Chapter 7: Children’s Health and Well-Being
Zoe Lewis & Vina Patel
Chapter 8: Play: Investment or pleasure?
Kate Irvine
Chapter 9: Measuring Childhood: The good, the bad and the ugly
Sarah Gillie, Rhiannon Packer & Sally Spruce
Chapter 10: The Unique Child
Timothy Clark & Rebecca Kingsley-Jones
Chapter 11: Taking Childhood Seriously: Listening, agency and advocacy