ABSTRACT
Within this chapter, we will explore society’s expectations of children and aim to inspire you to reflect on these. This will enable you to:
Consider what constitutes and shapes childhood.
Understand different models of society’s expectations and perspectives of children, i.e. as workers and an economic necessity, an investment in the future, as innocents, a threat, as consumers, citizens and active participants.
Reflect on the implications on the above for Early Years practice.
