Figure 1.--The work of Iona and Peter Opie, two pioneering researchers in postwar Britain, launched the study of child culture. The Opies, dedicated folklorists, basicvally created a new academic field with their urveys of children around the world. And thy were basically folklorists, not academics.

Child culture like childhood itself is relatively new subject of study. It means the cultural artifacts, communication/mass media, and social practices that are adopted or imposed on children. Child culture is essentially how children engage with their environment. There are range of narratives addressing childhood, and the ways in which children go about constructing their individual identities as part of their own cultural frameworks. Scholars in a range of disciplines (cultural studies, media studies, and now childhood studies--a very new discipline) have addressed the topic. Here it is important to understand that children are not just passive receivers of culture but actually active participants who begin to formulate and redefine cultural experiences. Here age is a factor. Younger children may tend to just accept what they are told, but it is important to understand just how important 'no' is to 2-year olds. All parents in cultures around the world have experienced 'the terrible twos'. Culture significantly impacts he childhood experience. Culture to a large extent dictates expectations placed on children, which behaviors encouraged or discouraged, and how and it what direction their development is nurtured. Especially important is the role children are given within the family. Some cultures view childhood as a phase of dependency and the child requiring protection. Other cultures view it as little different than other developmental phases beyond infancy. Children are viewed as contributing members of the family having with responsibilities beginning soon after they acquire language and are able to confidently walk.

Navigate the Historic Boys' Chronology pages:
[Return to the Main chronolgy page]
[Late 18th Century] [The 1800s] [The 1810s] [The 1820s] [The 1830s] [The 1840s] [The 1850s] [The 1860s] [The 1870s] [The 1880s] [The 1890s]

Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web style pages:
[Short pants suits] [Blazers] [Lace collars [Fauntleroy suits] [Sailor suits] [Ring bearer/page costumes] [First Communion suits]

Created: 5:40 PM 11/23/2025
Last updated: 5:41 PM 11/23/2025