In the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, Pullman reworks the fall of humanity into an ascent and suggests that ascent into adulthood through sexual experience is the desired goal for children. Although this ascent is accompanied by a radical reconceptualization of life and death, Pullman fails to offer any genuinely new ideas of the world with respect…

This overview reflects on the determinants and practice of child rearing in Australia over the past century, examining prevailing theories of children and childhood over this time and outlining key societal shifts affecting family life and the parent role. The article illustrates challenges facing researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and…

Discusses ideas from Vygotsky, Leont'ev and Bakhtin to show how fantasy play acts as its own zone of proximal development that contributes to the development of symbolic mediation, the appropriation of social roles and symbols, and the preschool child's preparation for elementary school. (JPB)

Increased recognition of the effects of reciprocal influences in the behavior of parents and their offspring may result in children's improved well-being through the enhancement of parent effectiveness, dissolution of the notion that the parent is totally reponsible for the child's behavior, and active parental leadership and guidance. (Author/GC)

Past and present family conditions (spousal relations, parental views of children, and child-rearing approaches) are discussed in light of their impact on children's psychological rights. Concern is expressed over the precarious current environment for children's rights and the even more uncertain future. (PP)

Studied separation, divorce, and the postponement of marriage which have nearly doubled the number of adults who keep up a home without a spouse since 1970. Assesses teenage marriages as particularly unstable. Discusses other variables including children's sex, mother's education level, custody, and remarriage. (Author/JAC)

Questions whether parents are allowing economic demands to dictate the development of children by demanding a level of maturity from them that they are physically, emotionally, and intellectually incapable of delivering. The changing economic and cultural context of families suggests a shift from child-oriented toward adult-oriented lifestyles for…

Traces the changes in the depiction of childhood in science fiction films from the 1950s to the present decade. Argues that the contemporary science fiction representation of the sentimental child is a cultural idealization that opposes the social reality of the vanishing child. (FMW)

John Stuart Mill viewed children in a more favorable light than is generally believed. Mill wished to protect children from society's bad influences long enough for their individual personalities and talents to develop. Complexities that arise in applying a liberal theory to the education of the immature are discussed. (PP)

Discusses literature on children's community participation and analyzes case studies on children's involvement in neighborhood improvement in Finland, Switzerland, and France. Case-study findings indicate that the creation of child-friendly environments with young people requires a shift toward more ecological and socially supportive settings with…

There is a strong link between the notion of childhood prevalent in a society and presumptions about children as readers. Versions of "Little Red Riding Hood" written in different centuries illustrate how the character of texts for children have changed as society's views of children and of education have evolved. (PP)

Siblings of handicapped children may have adjustment problems associated with increased family responsibilities, increased parental expectations, and perceived parental neglect in favor of the disabled sibling. Problems may be related to socioeconomic status; family size; age, sex, and birth order of the sibling; and severity of the handicap. (GDC)