This up to date text is suitable for students on all early years courses that include a module on global childhoods. Taking an ecological approach, it examines how culture and society shape childhoods through considering the lived experiences of children internationally. It begins by questioning the meaning of childhood and explores the historical, cultural and social views of childhood and children, including the roles of race, class and gender. It considers families and parenting from a global perspective and progresses to examine the relationship between the state and children by evaluating international approaches to education, health and welfare and the ways inequalities between the minority and majority world impact on children. The role of research on and with children in informing these debates is fully explored. Most importantly the reader is challenged to reflect on how global perspectives can be used to support an understanding of inclusion and diversity in their practice.
Chapter One - Introduction
Chapter Two - What is Childhood?
Chapter Three - Families and Parenting
Chapter Four - International Views on Education
Chapter Five - Children's Rights and Children's Needs
Chapter Six - Children's Health and Welfare a Global View
Chapter Seven - Global Inequalities and Children
Chapter Eight - Global Research and Children