From childhood as a social phenomenon to childhood as an analytical perspective. Synthesis of a trajectory

Abstract

This article proposes a reading of the trajectory of the sociology of childhood as a sociological subdiscipline, from its inception in the 1980s to the present, focusing on the ongoing European debate on the production of this theoretical framework and the relevance of its constructs. It first reviews the classic postulates of the sociology of childhood, followed by critical assessments of problematic aspects that researchers in this field of study have identified within the scope of its sociological contribution. It also reviews the propositions these authors formulate in light of the most current theoretical trends. It concludes that this debate, still incipient, reflects an attempt to advance the theorization of childhood from its institution as a social phenomenon to a constitution of childhood as an analytical perspective for the social sciences. To this end, the debate is oriented toward promoting the use of new or updated conceptual tools that foster the development of the subdiscipline and its connection with general sociology.