Introduction

What comes to your mind when you think of childhood? Do you think of it as a time for play, fun, and happiness in a young person's life? Do you think of something like this:
















Childhood in the U.S. is a relatively recent social construction that has lead to changes in public policy reflecting the concept that children are dependent and fragile beings that must be protected by adults.¹ For the purposes of this project, I will be examining how these conceptions held by adults shape policies that (while intended to help children) may negatively affect their lives. I will also be examining how these same conceptions may affect psychological research concerning children, which may be used to justify changes in policy.

Top picture source: http://mamarucci.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/lice/
Bottom picture source: http://www.blog4parents.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/children-playing-in-straw.jpg