Challenging the Politics of Early Intervention

Who's 'Saving' Children and Why

Rosalind Edwards author Val Gillies author Nicola Horsley author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bristol University Press

Published:23rd Aug '17

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Challenging the Politics of Early Intervention cover

A vital interrogation of the internationally accepted policy and practice consensus that intervention to shape parenting in the early years is the way to prevent disadvantage. Given the divisive assumptions and essentialist ideas behind early years intervention, in whose interests does it really serve? This book critically assesses assertions that the ‘wrong type of parenting’ has biological and cultural effects, stunting babies’ brain development and leading to a life of poverty and under-achievement. It shows how early intervention policies underpinned by interpretations of brain science perpetuate gendered, classed and raced inequalities. The exploration of future directions will be welcomed by those looking for a positive, collectivist vision of the future that addresses the real underlying issues in the creation of disadvantage.

"A compelling critique of contemporary developments in early intervention. Beautifully written and rigorously researched this book deserves a wide audience." Brigid Featherstone, University of Huddersfield
"A powerful and accessibly written analysis, this is an important critical resource for students, researchers, policy makers and practitioners who work with children and families." Janet Boddy, University of Sussex
"This disturbing book forensically unpicks the relationships between science and politics. A milestone contribution to policy research." Stephen J Ball, University College London

ISBN: 9781447324096

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

208 pages