Children, Youth and Time

Children, Youth, and Time explores the complex concept of time as perceived and experienced by children and young people in societal and generational contexts. It examines the impact of global challenges such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic on their temporal experience and provides insights into their perceptions of the world during crises.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

The concept of time in childhood and youth is a multifaceted and intricate phenomenon that is often viewed in two contradictory ways. Firstly, it is romanticized as a time of play, innocence, and exploration, where individuals learn through trial and error and discover the world around them. This perspective emphasizes the joys and wonders of childhood and the importance of cherishing these precious years. On the other hand, time in childhood and youth is also perceived as being restricted by tight societal and generational structures. These structures include chains of care, institutional and family timetables, and the expectations and norms that govern how individuals should spend their time. These constraints can limit opportunities for play, exploration, and personal growth and can create feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction among children and young people.

Children, Youth, and Time: Reflections on the Complex Concept of Time explores the multifaceted nature of time as experienced by children and young people in various societal and generational contexts. This collection of chapters includes empirical and theoretical contributions from researchers around the world, shedding light on how children and young people negotiate time in contrast to adults. The chapters delve into the impact of current global challenges, such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, on the temporal experiences of children and youth.

How do these critical global concerns affect the temporal experiences of children and youth? The authors of this collection provide fresh insight into this question, offering valuable perspectives on the perceptions of young people during periods of crisis. By understanding the ways in which children and young people perceive the world during times of disruption, researchers and policymakers can develop strategies to support and safeguard their well-being.

This book is a timely resource for researchers interested in the welfare of children and youth. It offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between time, childhood, and youth, and provides a foundation for developing policies and practices that promote the growth and development of children and young people. The chapters in this collection are organized in a way that allows for easy navigation and comprehension, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including educators, policymakers, and practitioners.

In conclusion, the concept of time in childhood and youth is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that is often viewed in two contradictory ways. While it is romanticized as a time of play, innocence, and exploration, it is also restricted by tight societal and generational structures. Children, Youth, and Time: Reflections on the Complex Concept of Time provides a valuable resource for understanding the experiences of children and young people in different contexts and sheds light on the impact of global challenges on their temporal experiences. By promoting a deeper understanding of the complexities of time, this book can help to inform policies and practices that support the well-being and growth of children and young people.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801176453