The Sociology of Early Childhood is a theoretically and historically grounded examination of young children's experiences in contemporary society.
Arguing that a sociology of early childhood must bring together and integrate different disciplines, this book:
- synthesises different sociological perspectives on childhood as well as incorporating multi-disciplinary research findings on the lives of young children
- explains key theoretical concepts in early childhood studies such as investment, early intervention, professional power and discourse
- examines the importance of play, memory and place
- evaluates long term parenting trends
- uses illustrative examples and case studies, discussion questions and annotated further reading to engage and stimulate readers.
Invigorating and thought provoking, this is an invaluable read for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students looking for a more nuanced and progressive understanding of childhood.
Norman Gabriel is a sociologist teaching Childhood Studies at the University of Essex. Inspired by Norbert Elias, his research interests are in relational sociology and the sociology of early childhood. With Professor Stephen Mennell he co-edited, 'Norbert Elias and Figurational Research: Processual Thinking in Sociology' (2011), a Monograph for The Sociological Review series. He is currently working on a book on Norbert Elias's political sociology (co-authored with Professor Lars Bo Kaspersen).
Title: The Sociology of Early Childhood: Critical Perspectives
Author: Gabriel, Norman
ISBN: 9781446272992
Binding:
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
Publication Date: 2017-04-11
Number of Pages: 192
Weight: 0.3001 kg
This book is a valuable addition to Early Childhood Studies, it plays an important part in developing our students' sociological perspectives on childhood; an important component of this multi-disciplinary degree.
-- Ruby Oates
A very welcome addition to the Childhood Studies literature, The Sociology of Early Childhood covers the key issues and subject areas essential for developing a critical and comprehensive knowledge of the field. Thoughtfully structured and clearly written, Gabriel provides a compelling discussion of ideas and concepts in ways accessible to an undergraduate audience. This is a 'must-have' text for all interested in understanding modern childhoods.
-- Mary Jane Kehily
In this book, Norman Gabriel provides an insightful, relational approach to the study of early childhood. Gabriel is both original and scholarly in the way he illuminates his points. Students of early childhood should read this book for a fuller understanding of the importance of early childhood to our contemporary society.
-- Caroline Bath
In this concise new volume, based on a strong philosophical and historical structure and supported by examples from contemporary research, Norman Gabriel constructs a framework for understanding the social worlds and experiences of children in early childhood. -- Noah Kenneally
