Key Concepts in Childhood Studies

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 Montgomery
Reader 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 Buckingham
Loughborough 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 Woodhead
The Open University

This is a very good book providing easy access to key ideas in childhood studies. It is good as an adjunct and ready reference rather than a core text. -- Dr Leanne Robins * drupal *
Excellent text for undergraduate students. Sufficient depth but manageable for students for whom childhood studies is not their primary focus. Great introductory text. -- Dr Michael Hartill * drupal *
A very good introduction to key concepts appropriate for 1st year students -- Mr Graham Bright * drupal *
A thorough focus on the older years as opposed to early years, good supplemental reading. -- Mrs Amanda Thompson * drupal *
An excellent book again by James and James, which gives students information regarding key concepts in Early Chidhool Studies in an accessible and clearly written manner. Will be recommending this book to my students. -- Mrs Gillian Walker * drupal *
Key areas that students can ′dip′ in and out of reading, each peice of text has relevant and informative ideas. Clear links to practice is identified from each peice of text/subject contained within. -- Mrs Julie Clarkson * drupal *
A great introduction / reference text for key concepts. -- Mrs Justine Gallagher * drupal *
This book gives a fantastic first look at many key concepts which are new to students in a way that is easily approachable and understandable. A great place to start further studies. -- Mrs Kathryn Peckham * drupal *
Supportive to present issues. -- Mrs Kelly Needham * drupal *
Helps students to understand some of the key terminology in an easy to read format. -- Mrs Nikki Fairchild * drupal *
Covers a range of contemporary issues related to childhood in a concise but extremely informative way. Presents some alternative viewpoints, which learners can reflect and build upon. -- Mrs Paula Hamilton * drupal *
A challenging text that is recommended for all levels of the BA in Childhood Studies programme.
The short, focussed chapters provide students with a comprehensive overview of a topic which they can then research in further depth. -- Mrs Sharron Galley * drupal *
Useful for background reading. -- Ms Carol Setchell * drupal *
Great for first year students who need to get their heads around terminology. Provides foundational knowledge. -- Ms Dawn O'Connell * drupal *
I have recommended that this book is purchased as a generic introductary book to early childhood studies. It covers a wide remit- which reflects many of the topics that are included in our course - and offers clear introductions/summaries and useful references to follow up. -- Ms Louise Gilbert * drupal *
A really good guide for the various aspects and concepts in Childhood Studies. Key information all at hand - very easy to follow and find the details one is looking for. Very useful as a tool for anyone studying in the Childhood field -- Ms Sinead Hickey * drupal *
Key concepts clearly and succinctly explained; a reference book for students on this programme. -- Professor Rene Koglbauer * drupal *