"In recent years there has been a rapid growth of interest in the sociological study of childhood. This new book brings together the major developments in the field." "Drawing on a large body of contemporary sociological and anthropological research, the book develops key links between the study of childhood and social theory, exploring its historical, political, and cultural dimensions. Through a consideration of the twin dimensions of childhood - as a structural feature of societies and as a context of children's everyday lives - the book reveals childhood's socially constructed character."--Jacket