Describes childhood in specific historical periods and geographic regions. Explores the concept of childhood, from the treatment of children as miniature adults to the sheltered and protected child of the twenty-first-century developed world.
Looks at the interplay between local cultural variations and human development by comparing and contrasting beliefs and practices related to pregnancy, childbirth, and child rearing among the world's traditional societies.
Discusses critical issues, important concepts and findings, and the individuals in the field who helped shape the popular and clinical study of infancy.
Provides information on a wide range of topics affecting a child's physical, emotional, and social development. Includes resource material such as hotlines, helplines, voluntary and government organizations, and information sources.
Over 500 entries bring together contemporary research on childhood and adolescence from pediatrics, child psychology, childhood studies, education, history, law, anthropology, and other related areas.