Children in society—thinking sociologically about children and childhood in a Canadian context

Abstract

This chapter considers childhood in Canada from a sociological perspective. It encourages early childhood professionals to think about how overarching social dynamics--like history, politics, economics, and culture--influence how we understand children and childhood. The chapter first explores sociology as a discipline and describes the sociology of childhood as a distinct branch within that discipline. The chapter then examines Canadian history and society, using three sociological concepts--social context, social action, and social construction--to illustrate how children and childhood have been integral aspects of both. Finally, recommendations are made for applying sociological thinking in contemporary early childhood settings, built on the idea that early childhood professionals who understand the historical, political, and cultural decisions of the past are better equipped to understand and support experiences of childhood in the present.