• Ramos Anne Carolina

• Ramos Anne Carolina

Introduction to Childhood Studies

The study of children and their childhood(s) changed significatively with the emergence of Childhood Studies. From focusing on children as mere objects of socialization, sociology started addressing children as social actors broadening the empirical, theoretical, and conceptual ideas about children and childhood. This seminar will explore some of the main sociological themes, concepts, and approaches employed in researching children by following the core textbook “Childhood and Society” (Wyness, 2019). Each chapter will be enriched by essential readings giving students a comprehensive introduction and overview of the field.

After attending this seminar, you will:

• Gain an overview of key topics in childhood studies.
• Acquire knowledge about empirical, theoretical, and conceptual ideas about children and childhood.
• Understand childhood as a socio-historical construction and as a generational position.
• Acquire general knowledge about involving children in research.
• Combine theoretical and empirical approaches by learning with researchers and their PhD projects.

Main literature:

Wyness, M. (2019). Childhood and Society. London: Red Globe Press.

Additional literature:

Ariès, P. (1962).  Centuries of Childhood. Great Britain: Jonathan Cape Ltd.

Corsaro, W. (2018). Sociology of Childhood (5th ed.). London: Sage.

Postman, N. (1994). The Disappearance of Childhood. New York: Vintage Books.

Qvortrup, J., Corsaro, W & Honig, M. S. (Eds.) (2009). The Palgrave Handbook of Childhood Studies. London: Red Globe Press.