ABSTRACT
In 1970, amidst a flurry of social movements in countries throughout the Western world, symbolized best perhaps by the May 1968 protests in France, a new study by the eminent anthropologist Margaret Mead was published: Culture and Commitment. Western societies base the need to protect children on their reputed innocence, which is regarded as the source of their limitations and lack of knowledge. The historiographical tradition initiated by Philippe Ariès several decades ago emphasized the historical variability of child-specific characteristics. Rapid social changes have imposed a new framework on intergenerational exchanges. Now children and young people have become the bearers of valuable cultural properties, which is typical of a "pre-figurative culture". This chapter articulates theoretical arguments which explain how the dilution of the asymmetry has left a vacant place where traditional childhood once existed. A pre-figurative culture allows for an unprejudiced and unembarrassed return to childhood within the context of momentary, fun-loving entertainment.
