The Anthropology of Children and Childhood

This first year seminar explores childhood and children from an anthropological perspective. First, we will examine the concept of childhood both historically and cross-culturally. Second, we look at the development pathways that cultural communities provide for the children. These pathways are shaped by cultural ecology and history and by the goals of parents, communities and children themselves. Finally, we will review anthropological conceptions of children as social actors who shape their cultures and lives.