The nature of childhood, the consideration of whether a certain age denotes innocence or not, and the desire to teach good citizenship to our children are all issues commonly discussed by today's media. This book brings together a variety of perspectives on the study of childhood: how this has been treated historically and how such a concept is developing as we move into the next century.

The book is divided into five main sections:

* part one sets the scene and provides the reader with an overview of attitudes towards childhood.

* part two surveys the contribution of literature from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries

* part three examines educational issues such as childrens' play, language acquisition and spiritual development

* part four looks at the representation of children in film, television and other mass media

* part five offers further help for study and research

This book draws on a number of academic disciplines including education, literature, theology, language studies and history. It will be of particular use to those on Childhood studies courses and all those studying for a teacher qualification. Teachers of children aged between 4-12 years old will find its contribution to their continuing professional development extremely helpful.