Description
Book SynopsisKids in Context is a comprehensive overview of the new and rapidly growing field of sociology of children and childhoods. It includes explication of theories and empirical evidence about children''s social worlds, from their day-to-day experiences in their homes, neighborhoods and schools to the impact on their lives of political, economic, and social trends at the global level. Alternative perceptions of children and childhood and the implications of children''s subordinate social status will be examined. In keeping with the authors'' view of children as active participants in society rather than simply as passive recipients of adult care and control, each chapter contains data gathered directly from children, and examples of children''s contributions to their families, communities and societies are noted. In a pair of chapters on family life, the authors examine the mutual effects of kids and parents on each other as well as the implications of changing family structures and modes of child rearing. Other chapters are devoted to the dynamics of children''s group life and the creation and dissemination of children''s culture, both locally and globally. Variations in childhoods resulting from inequalities of race and ethnicity, social class and gender are compared, with special attention to groups of children who have been marginalized or treated mainly as ''social problems.'' The final chapter contains an assessment of alternative strategies for enhancing children''s status and well-being.
Trade Review...a joy to read. The points are well articulated and argued, and the evidence and examples hold the interest of the reader. -- Loretta Bass, University of Oklahoma
If you want to know what insights sociologists have about the context, comparison, and change in children's lives in America and across the world, first read Sarane Boocock and Kimberly Scott. They bring the essentials to their work: sharp eyes, warm hearts, systematic minds, and willingness to take the kids' point of view. -- Viviana Zelizer, Lloyd Cotsen '50 Professor of Sociology, Princeton University
Boocock and Scott provide a wonderfully engaging and comprehensive view of children and their childhoods. Their book demonstrates convincingly that children are the best sources for understanding childhood. Kids and Context is a major contribution to the sociology of children and youth. -- William A. Corsaro, Robert H. Shaffer Professor of Sociology, Indiana University, author of The Sociology of Childhood and We're Friends, Right?: Inside Kids' Culture
Impressive breadth is matched by straightforward treatments that define the landscape of current research while resisting easy conclusions. Researchers in the field will find this a useful review of the range of work currently being done. Undergraduate and graduate students will profit from the engagement with scholarship, recent and old, and the extensive bibliography. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
This book is a thoughtful, informed and welcome contribution to the sociology of childhood literature base....Each section is comprehensive and underpinned by a wealth of literature and research data....Each chapter in this book is so relevant and engaging in terms of all aspects of children's lives that to identify particular chapters for discussion in terms of merit is almost an impossible task....To summarize this is a sound and useful resource for students, academics and paractitioners alike. The authors clearely convey a passion for children's inclusion in all social agendas, which is sustained throughout the book. The authors have their audience to understand the rapidly changing and complex world children and young people now inhabit. * Sage: British Sociological Association, February 2008 *
...[an] excellent presentation of qualitative research and theories of childhood. -- Anne-Marie Ambert, York University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Thinking about Children and Childhoods: Theoretical Perspectives Chapter 3 Studying Children and Childhoods: Research Methodologies Chapter 4 Change and Diversity: The Two Constants of Family Life Chapter 5 Kids at Home: Socialization and the Allocation of Family Resources Chapter 6 Kids in Groups Chapter 7 The Two Worlds of School Chapter 8 Race, Ethnicity and Social Status: The Creation of Social Hierarchies in Childhood Chapter 9 Becoming Girls and Boys Chapter 10 The Rapidly Changing External Context of Childhood Chapter 11 Kid Consumers in a Global Economy Chapter 12 Toward a World Fit for Children
