The material culture of early childhood in the 21st century is characterized by an emphasis on biological age and related levels of cognitive and motor skill development. All types of objects, including diapers, toys, food products, and clothing, are… [more]

Studying everyday material objects made and used for children—diapers, baby food, clothing, toys—provides an opportunity to investigate contemporary American childhood; it challenges students to think critically about how childhood is understood in their own culture, and demonstrates that childhood is culturally constructed by people living in a particular time and place. echo [more]