Childhood reproduced: images of childhood represented in children's daily lives in home and day-care settings

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study explores images of childhood by analysing children's pictorial representations and accompanying captions. The focus is on how children together with adults represent childhood in the home and daycare settings in a oneweek diary study. The key analytical tool was framing, which is used to highlight what kinds of images are (re)produced and narrated. The frames that emerged were (1) portrayal of the child via cultural products and societal relations, (2) portrayal of the child via individuality, relationships and attachment, (3) the child as a symbol of capabilities, and (4) the child as a learner. While illustrating how childhood was intertwined with consumption, cultural products and various expectations, these frames also highlighted displays of individuality, in which the child's relationships clearly emerged. The results show how children can make an important contribution to research on images of childhood and also reveal some of the conventions underlying child-related everyday interactions.