Early Childhoods in a Changing World

This book challenges taken for granted views of early childhood across the globe. It deepens and broadens our understanding of what it means to be a child today and of the challenges children face in different parts of the world. The book is essential reading for all those working with young children, whether as practitioners, policy makers, or trainers and students of early years education and professional care. It will also be of interest to academics and sociologists in the field of childhood worldwide.

The authors are from the UK, Eastern and Western Europe, the USA, Australia and two countries in Africa. They reflect on the nature of childhood from their perspective and provide illustrative case studies on:
• the effects of changes in family circumstances
• the effects of poverty, rural and social isolation and trauma on young children’s lives
• how new technologies are changing policy in early education
• how we ensure that children’s voices are heard at home and at school.
The contributors are Jennifer Bowes, Stig Broström, Eileen Carmichael, Philomena Donnelly, Joanna Einarsdottir, Eve Gregory, Mary James, Foster Kholowa, Horatiu Rusu, Siân Wyn Siencyn, Christine Stephen, Allison Tatton, Glenda Walsh
and Lynne Williamson.

Margaret M Clark is Visiting Professor at Newman University College. She has an international reputation for her research in early education and literacy and was awarded an OBE for services to early years education.
Stanley Tucker is Professor and Dean of School at Newman University College. He has researched and written extensively on the lives of children and their families.