Shapers of American Childhood
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About This Book
The experience of growing up in the U.S. is shaped by many forces. Relationships with parents and teachers are deeply personal and definitive. Social and economic contexts are broader and harder to quantify. Key individuals in public life have also had a marked impact on American childhood. These 18 new essays examine the influence of pivotal figures in the culture of 20th and 21st century childhood and child-rearing, from Benjamin Spock and Walt Disney to Ruth Handler, Barbie's inventor, and Er
Our Review
This collection of 18 essays offers a compelling investigation into the architects of modern American youth culture, tracing how specific public figures fundamentally redirected the experience of growing up. By examining pivotal individuals from Dr. Benjamin Spock to Walt Disney and Ruth Handler, the book moves beyond abstract social forces to pinpoint the human decisions and cultural products that defined 20th and 21st century child-rearing. The analysis connects the dots between parenting advice, entertainment, and toys, revealing how these shapers created a new landscape for American childhood.
Jackson curates a thought-provoking roster that demonstrates how diverse influences—from pediatric psychology to animated film and doll manufacturing—collectively molded national norms. The book’s strength lies in its specific, granular approach, making it an essential read for anyone interested in cultural history, education, or media studies who wants to understand not just what changed, but who caused the change. It ultimately provides a powerful framework for seeing the fingerprints of these creators on our own upbringings and the world today.
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