This anthology from scholarly literature about children explores the ways society makes meaning of the period called childhood, the social forces that shape children, and the strategies children use to influence each other, their familes, and the larger adult world. The anthology includes 34 readings in 7 topic areas: I. Meanings of Childhood II. Theorizing Childhood III. Studying Children IV. Relationships V. Constructing Race, Ethnicity and Gender VI. Popular Culture, Consumption and Play VII. Social Problems and Inequality