Abstract
Childhoods in Context forms part of an Open University series written as an introduction to childhood degree programmes. The book introduces the issue of contextualising the concept of childhood in relation to geographical space and place. In the first chapter, theories of space and place are used to highlight perceptions of children as social actors in the geographical context. Subsequent chapters explore children’s experiences in four key spaces and places: home and family, public spaces, schools and work. How children are viewed and treated in these various spaces and places is investigated in an international context; thus, issues are highlighted by looking at international case studies, and questions are raised around Western adult perceptions of children in specific spaces and places. The final chapter looks at using visual data in research with children. Visual data is a growing area in research with children, and there are significant ethical issues to consider when gathering and using this form of data. As such, it is an important component in an introduction to childhood for degree programmes where research with children may be undertaken.
Individual chapters are written by university-affiliated academic researchers, and discussions draw on well-known authors in the field. Discussions are well researched, and debated from different perspectives. For example, the issue of children at work is presented sensitively weighing evidence from opposing viewpoints: on the one hand, that children can benefit the family’s income, indeed, children themselves can benefit from participating in appropriate work, and, on the other hand, that children should not work and should only be educated during their childhood. Another interesting debate is the labelling of children as ‘yobs’ when they are in public spaces, such as the shopping mall or street corner, versus being recognised as needing protecting and having the right to be in public spaces. The voices of the children are also heard in these debates: what children think about working to help their families, and young men’s and women’s perspectives on identifying with gender and conforming to cultural gender dress and behaviour codes. How children and youths seek to have some autonomy in public space is also considered, such as the use of personal stereos and graffiti.
On initial overview of the book, I was impressed by the accessibility of the layout: the contents page of the book is clearly laid out, and individual chapter contents are presented at the start of each chapter. The book is illustrated throughout with colour photos, and there is a summary of data in tables at the end of each section. Chapter structure facilitates a learning experience for each issue under discussion: the issue is first introduced and discussed, followed by examples of life stories or a relevant example from research. The introductions, readings, case studies, comments and activities are thought provoking and inspiring. Questions are given about the readings to promote academic thinking, such as deeper consideration of the issue discussed, as well as to encourage understanding the influence of authors’ perspectives on their arguments. Importantly for students who may need to investigate issues further, the discussions and readings are well referenced, with reference lists at the end of each chapter, enabling easy access to referenced works.
As an academic educational book, this is an important contribution to the literature aimed at degree students. Although the book is presented as an introduction to childhood for university degree courses, as an early childhood education doctoral research student, I came across new issues as well as revisiting familiar issues around concepts of childhood, where new insights inspired deeper consideration. Thus, it is suitable for all levels of degree students when considering concepts of childhood in context, despite it being written in the style of an easy introduction to the topic. Furthermore, given the scope of the issues covered, this book could be of interest to professionals working with children and youth across a range of fields, from social work to teaching, who may be interested in keeping up to date with current academic thinking on childhood.