The Death of Childhood

Author: (English) David Parkin / Zhang Jianzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: "Is new media poisoning our children, or cultivating them? David Parkin guides us with clear thinking and visionary insight to bring the signs of postmodernity back to the streets, schools, living rooms, and bedrooms of children's lives, and how to face the transformation of technology, while also exploring the impact of institutional and value changes." — Elihu Katz, University of Pennsylvania "The Death of Childhood is a brilliant and critical summary and critique of childhood and media at the dawn of the 21st century. Through sharp observation and well-structured arguments and conclusions, it holds significant meaning not only for educators, media professionals, but also for all well-educated adults interested in this topic." "This is a heart-stirring work. David Parkin examines, through his extensive research, the various claims and assertions surrounding children and the connections between these claims and media. It doesn’t force you to agree with every claim or viewpoint, but it certainly makes you aware that this is a work with broad scope and rich knowledge." — Martin Barker, University of Sussex
What will be the fate of childhood in the 21st century? Are more and more children living in a "media childhood" controlled by electronic screens? Are their access to "adult" media increasing, and is the distinction between adulthood and childhood gradually fading? Or does new media technology make the distinction between adults and children even more pronounced? David Parkin provides a clear and accessible overview of the transformation of childhood and the media environment in recent years. He refutes the moral panic caused by the negative effects of media and opposes unrealistic optimism about the "digital generation." In his argument, he highlights the challenges brought by new technological developments, the privatization of the public sphere and media, and the polarization of media wealth and media poverty. He believes that in a world filled with violence, commercialization, and politics, children should no longer be isolated or protected. Therefore, new strategies are essential to protect children's rights as citizens and consumers.
Based on extensive research, this book offers a fresh perspective to address the impact of media on children. At the same time, it provides a challenging new approach for researchers, parents, educators, media producers, and policymakers to tackle long-standing concerns.