Key Concepts in Childhood Studies

Allison James is Professor of Sociology at the University of Sheffield where she is also co-director of the Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth.  Professor Adrian James is Emeritus Professor of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield.

Once again, James and James have produced a book which will define Childhood Studies in the coming years. This is an essential book for everyone interested in this rapidly expanding field and offers a series of short, in-depth, introductory essays which provide invaluable starting points for further exploration. Indispensible to anyone interested in studying childhood.Heather MontgomeryReader in the Anthropology of Childhood at The Open University Scholars and students will welcome this updated edition of a definitive introductory text by two of the world′s leading authorities in Childhood Studies. Key Concepts provides insightful and challenging discussions of some of the major themes and issues in this burgeoning field.David BuckinghamLoughborough University Allison and Adrian James have been amongst the pioneers who established Childhood Studies as a cross-disciplinary field relevant to all who carry out research or work with children and young people. They are in a unique position to introduce the diverse, and in some cases overlapping and ambiguous concepts that are an inevitable, and also a healthy consequence of crossing disciplinary boundaries...Arranged alphabetically, core ideas about "Agency" and "Development" through to "Socialisation" and "Youth" are explained in straightforward language, with a concise introduction to key theoretical debates, as well as up to date references...This second edition is a welcome addition to the bookshelf, offering an even more comprehensive and up to date guide, which will be an essential resource for established researchers and novice students alike.Martin WoodheadThe Open University

• Preface to the Second EditionIntroductionAge and MaturityAgencyBest InterestsChildChild-Focused Research /Research with ChildrenChild-FriendlyChildhoodChild SoldiersChildhood StudiesChildren as ConsumersChildren as ResearchersChildren′s VoicesCitizenshipCompetenceCultural Politics of ChildhoodCultural RelativismDelinquencyDevelopmental PsychologyDevelopmentalismDisappearance or Loss of ChildhoodDiversityEthnicityFamilializationFamilyFriendshipFuturityGenderGenerationGlobal ChildhoodHealthInnocenceInternet and New Social MediaInterpretive ReproductionMinority Group StatusNature vs. NurtureNeedsNeglectParentingParticipationPeer GroupPlayPovertyProtectionRepresentationResilienceResponsibilityRightsSchooling and SchoolsSexual AbuseSexualizationSocial ActorSocial ConstructionSocial WorldSocializationSpaces for Children and Children′s PlacesStandpointStreet ChildrenStructureUnited Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)VulnerabilityWelfareWork and Working ChildrenYouth