The dominant images of childhood held by a culture or subculture are
important.
These images have a considerable impact on the life
opportunities of children. While there are frequent public debates about
what is in the best interest of children, it is often in the absence of an
understanding that childhood is a loose concept. Children have more
features in common with adults than they have differences. Yet the
differences are magnified and analysed. This is partly to protect children
from exploitative practices such as participating in low or unpaid labour. It
is also to ensure that children’s characteristics are taken into consideration
when they may represent a significant stakeholder group (e.g. educational
and medical services). Magnification of the differences can also lead to a
distortion of differences, such that children’s opportunities are stymied
(see Helen Little’s chapter, this volume). The mantra of “Let children be
children” often indicates an unanalysed view of childhood, and is
frequently used to silence those who challenge accepted “truths” about
children and childhood. Also, by negating many of the characteristics
children share with adults, this unanalysed image can be used to prevent
children from sampling or engaging in adult behaviours that may be
important to them (see Kirrilly Thompson’s chapter, this volume).