The American Child: The Transformation of Childhood Since World War II

Historical perspective shows that concerns about the "kids these days" are as old as civilization itself. Today's young people are healthier than in the past and less likely to drink, smoke, or engage in reckless sex. The digital age has enabled them to learn, grow, and connect with the world in ways that were previously unimaginable. There is greater acceptance and understanding of diverse backgrounds, identities, and orientations, giving many children more freedom to express themselves and find communities that support them. Many young people are more politically knowledgeable and and socially aware than previous generations, speaking out about climate change, gun control, and social justice. Nonetheless, autism, attention deficit disorders, allergies, obesity, learning disorders, and online bullying, as well as suicidal ideation and self-harm, have become more prevalent. School shootings and the 24/7 news cycle make the world seem more dangerous for children than it actually is.

Drawing on a wealth of previously untapped sources along with census data, reports, and surveys, Steven Mintz and Peter N. Stearns bring much-needed historical perspective to the profound transformations that have taken place in American childhood since World War II and their impact on children's well-being. Balancing genuine improvements with significant losses, they analyze how shifts in family life, education, and culture have reshaped childhood for good and for ill. Acutely attentive to issues of diversity in terms of class, ethnicity, gender, nationality, and race, this book places contemporary controversies-- rising rates of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and emotional distress-- within a historical context, challenging simplistic explanations that blame social media, the internet, or the decline of marriage. Instead, it reveals the deeper structural, cultural, and historical forces driving the challenges and opportunities facing today's children.

The American Child examines the radical transformations in schooling, childrearing practices, children's play, kids' culture, and other areas to offer valuable insights on how childhood has changed, the consequences of those shifts, and what can be done to make childhood better.