Dr Hazel Wright is a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University where she teaches on early years courses from undergraduate to doctoral level and supervises research students. She is an active researcher whose work is interdisciplinary, often using a biographical approach. It draws, in particular, on theories and ideas from within education, sociology, psychology and economics. Hazel graduated in geography, but maintained an earlier interest in history and literature, particularly children’s fiction. She worked in publishing for years before retraining to work with young children whose actions and thoughts she finds fascinating and has taught early years staff in Community, Further and Higher Education. Her doctoral research focused on the educational experiences of early years staff from the voluntary sector, analysing their life histories using a Capability Approach framework. The thesis was published in 2011 as Women Studying Childcare (Trentham Books), freeing Hazel to refocus on children and childhood.
The child has a very special place in society, and society defines and shapes childhood. Understanding childhood is essential to early years students and this book offers a great introduction. Taking a thematic approach, chapters cover: Historical and Cultural Perspectives Policy and Economic Perspectives Psychological and Biological Perspectives Contemporary Views. Each chapter prompts you to reflect on core issues and interrogate your practice and attitudes towards children in your care. This fantastic foundation will help you to begin to understand the relationship between the child and society.
