The genesis for this book was a growing acknowledgement that the experience of childhood in modern, upper-echelon society looks drastically different from both historical and cross-cultural antecedents. Anthropologists studying childhood find a great range of “normal” childhood experiences that, nevertheless, might be considered highly unorthodox—even harmful—by current “informed” parents and professionals. Raising Children uses insights drawn from the anthropology of childhood to serve as a lens to critically examine contemporary childhood.
Tag Archives: childhood
Neos highlights—Childhood and Infantilized Pets
Dogs in strollers, doggie daycare, doggie play dates… Have you ever wondered when these became part of modern urban life? Learn more about how dogs became children’s best friends in Melis Sulos’s article “Childhood and Infantilized Pets,” on pp. 7-8 of the October 2016 issue of Neos (http://acyig.americananthro.
‘Uncertain Futures: Communication and Culture in Childhood Cancer Treatment’ reviewed by Cindy Dell Clark
Childhood Cancer: Powerful Words
review by Cindy Dell Clark, PhD.
Uncertain Futures: Communication and Culture in Childhood Cancer Treatment
by Ignasi Clemente
Wiley-Blackwell, 248 pp, October 2015
With regard to our kids, words we hope never to hear or have to say include “cancer” and “death.” We hope to avoid these words altogether, and when they arise, there is a tendency to shower the children involved with charity, pretense, and diversion: visiting clowns, get-well toys, or, as a last resort, wishes-come-true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Kids Wish Network. Justin Bieber alone is said to have participated in some 250 wishes-come-true for children with life-threatening conditions.