This new edition of the only text that thoroughly covers children and childhood from a sociological perspective includes updated coverage of peer relations, friendship, and the social problems experienced by children.

The Third Edition

- has been thoroughly updated to reflect the recent explosion of research in the field

- includes expanded and updated material on children's symbolic culture and material culture, and a new section, 'Children, Parents, and Consumer Culture'

- includes new section on 'Generation M: Electronic Media in the Lives of Preadolescents and Adolescents'

- highlights current policy debates and changing demographics regarding children's quality of life around the world.