Sociology of Childhood

Code: SOC02425L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Sociology

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

This course uses theoretical-practical classes to explore different exercises aiming the sociological discussion of the child's place and childhood cultures in contemporary society.

Sustainable Development Goals

Saúde de qualidade - Assegurar uma vida saudável e promover o bem-estar para todos, em todas as idades.

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

Reduzir as desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes - Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes promover sociedades pacíficas e inclusivas par ao desenvolvimento sustentável, proporcionar o acesso à justiça para todos e construir instituições eficazes, responsáveis
e inclusivas em todos os níveis.

Learning Goals

Sociology of the Childhood main goal is to provide students with the theoretical, conceptual and methodological tools to a critical understanding, sociologically anchored, on diversity, relativity and complexity around child and childhood issues in contemporary society.
Specifically, by the end of the semester students should be able to:
a) characterize child as a social category and childhood as a generational structure socio-historically constructed;
b) provide critical understanding on the theoretical emergence and consolidation of Sociology Childhood;
c) develop the epistemological, methodological and ethical underpinning of sociological research with children;
d) critically discuss the main axes shape cultures of childhood;
e) review the place of child as social actor within the various constraints and structural possibilities;
f) reflect in a sustain way on the main themes that stimulate sociological debate in this domain.

I - Children and childhood: concepts, images and contexts

II - The sociological construction of child and the emergence of sociology of childhood

III - Epistemology, ethics and methodology in childhood studies

IV - Cultures of childhood (imaginary, consumption, differentiation and inequalities)

V - Child as social actor (autonomy, competences, knowledge and ways of participation)

VI - Childhood: contemporary themes & debates

Teaching Methods

Lectures and practical lessons, tutorial follow up and e-learning solutions.
According to internal regulation, students may choose between a continuous assessment process or a final examination.
Continuous assessment: written examination (40%) and written essay with oral presentation and discussion in (60%).
Final examination: written examination (100%).