ABSTRACT

This chapter reviews the literature and research showing the complex ways children can be resilient by acknowledging the diversity of experiences in childhood. In 2014 Masten recognised from her research that early, close, supportive relationships with others can help a child overcome challenges, and that close cultural encouragement and guidance are beneficial to support resilience. Given the links identified between the child, family and society, societal perceptions of childhood are likely to influence the perceptions of parents, carers, communities and the experiences of children. The chapter discusses the social construction of childhood and its present association with vulnerability and the need for adults to protect and make decisions for children. In 2015 the Department for Education set up a new monetary award scheme for schools to bid for funding to develop excellent character education programmes. This was in response to criticisms from business leaders that school leavers were not prepared with 'soft skills' for work.