TOPICS - HISTORY OF CHILDHOOD
SEAN P. CORCORAN
HIS 300 – INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL METHODS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTMBER 22 2004
TYPEPAD POST #3
QUESTION:
List ten potential topics in the history of childhood that you have found interesting. Which of these appear to be the most doable, given the time and resources available to you?
Children and Sports – The child athlete growing up over the past sixty years – in our modern “win at all costs” society. Win or Lose. Practice makes perfect. Making the team. There is no I in team – there is NO we either.
Child Labor – Protecting our children from exploitation and abuse in the American workplace - the evolution of American child labor laws. Once an essential part of the economic household - now protected from exploitation and abuse by big business.
Separation and Divorce – The affects separation and divorce have on children and their childhoods.
The G.I. JOE Phenomenon – How the G.I. Joe action figures took America by storm. How every male child wanted not just one but every one created – as well as every accessory created. What was the idea behind G.I. Joe? Why was it so successful? Why did it appeal to male children?
The BARBIE Phenomenon – Every female child had to have the latest and greatest. Every accessory was a must have. What was the idea behind Barbie? Why was it so successful? Why did it appeal to female children?
Children and Fashion - Children as consumers of fashion over the past 20 years. Fashion trends, “label” conscious, and mass media. Why the evolution towards marketing clothing towards the child audience?
Disney Characters – How Disney brings animation to life as it tries to bridge the gap between fiction and fact – fantasy and reality – for children. The use of human and animal characters in animation.
Children and Games – From board games to video games - educational or a distraction to the growth of children? The evolution of children’s games during the 20th century.
Children’s Television Programming – The evolution of children’s television programming (such as cartoons and sitcoms) over the past fifty years directed toward the child audience.
Illegal Aliens – Children growing up without a country to call home. Living in American as an illegal immigrant child searching for the “American Dream”.
Frontier Children – Growing up on the frontier as Americans conquered the West.
Children and Candy – The evolution of candy over the past 100 years. How candy companies cater to the desires of children. So many choices to choose from. Experimentation of flavors.
Mixed Race Children – Growing up as a mixed race child in America over the past sixty years. Attitudes of society towards mixed race children.
Child Abuse – New term, old problem. Change in attitudes over time. Evolution of society towards child abuse since 1900.
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