Child and Childhood in the Perception of Children Finishing Pre-School and Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Child and childhood are categories that are difficult to define as they gain different meanings depending on changing historical periods, cultural and environmental circles and scientific theories developed within different scientific disciplines. These meanings significantly influence the situation of the child in society at a specific place and time, as well as the shape and quality of his relationships with adults and the life experiences he gains. The study presents a picture of a child and his childhood formed in the awareness of modern children finishing pre-school and early childhood education. The basis for this picture was an analysis of children’s responses to the questions asked during individual interviews.