Diversity and Difference in Childhood: Issues for Theory and Practice

Book excerpt: This book provides an introduction to the key issues and theories around diversity and difference. The book helps early years and education professionals develop a critical disposition towards the taken-for-granted assumptions about children and childhood in relation to diversity, difference and social justice. The book focuses on policies, perceptions and practices around diversity and difference in education settings, identifying issues that are relevant to everyday practices. Using practical scenarios and based on research and experience, each chapter integrates understandings of practice through a variety of theoretical frameworks and explores strategies for the development of a more equitable pedagogy and practice. The book explores a number of key issues including: globalisation, new racisms, immigration, refugees, homophobia and seeks to move the reader beyond simplistic understandings of diversity as 'tolerance'. The proposed new edition interrogates practice and explores opportunities and strategies for creating a more equitable environment. The book covers a number of issues impacting on children's lives, including globalization, new racisms, immigration, refugees, homophobia, heterosexism and constructions of childhood. Each chapter provides an overview of the area of discussion, a focus on the implications for practice, and recommended readings. Key features for the second edition include: New content on the construction of childhood and the changing face of families Considers children aged from birth to eighteen New chapter on refuges and asylum seekers It is ideal reading for any early years or education student looking at diversity and inclusion, and for teachers in role looking for advice on how to meet the professional standards.