The Anthropology of Childhood: Cherubs Chattel Changelings

About this book

The raising of children their role in society and the degree to which family and community is structured around them varies quite significantly around the world. The Anthropology of Childhood provides the first comprehensive review of the literature on children from a distinctly anthropological perspective. Bringing together key evidence from cultural anthropology history and primate studies it argues that our common understandings about children are narrowly culture-bound. Whereas dominant society views children as precious innocent and preternaturally cute cherubs Lancy introduces the reader to societies where children are viewed as unwanted inconvenient changelings or as desired but pragmatically commoditized chattels. Looking in particular at family structure and reproduction profiles of childrens caretakers their treatment at different ages their play work schooling and transition to adulthood this volume provides a rich interesting and original portrait