There is a war on for the future of the university worldwide. The stakes are high, and they reach deep into our social condition. This book analyses the position, and argues for the necessity of taking sides with the latter. It does so with a sense of urgency, because the market fundamentalists are on the march.

Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this book explores what it means to be a 21st century child. Enduring topics as well as new concepts of childhood are unpicked to see how they influence practice, policy and education in an ever changing environment.

This Handbook focuses on enquiries and investigations into the everyday lives of young children in the age range of birth to 8 years of age, giving space to their voices and involving interrogations about the various aspect of their lives. It engages with the interdisciplinary field of childhood studies, education, cultural studies, ethnography, and philosophy.

Play in the Early Years offers students an accessible introduction to Play, considering key concepts and current debates taking place here and now.