Childism: Confronting Prejudice Against Children

Childism examines prejudice and discrimination against children as a distinct form of bias that warrants recognition alongside racism, sexism, and other systemic prejudices. Young-Bruehl draws on her background as a psychoanalyst to analyze how this prejudice manifests in abuse, neglect, and various forms of exploitation. The book presents case studies and research spanning child welfare, education, healthcare, and legal systems to demonstrate patterns of anti-child attitudes and behaviors. Through investigation of historical and contemporary examples, Young-Bruehl maps out how childism operates at individual, institutional, and societal levels. The work synthesizes psychological theory, social science research, and policy analysis to build a framework for understanding and addressing prejudice against children. Young-Bruehl examines successful interventions and proposes strategies for reform across multiple sectors. By naming and defining childism as a systemic problem, this work challenges readers to confront ingrained assumptions about children's status in society and consider new approaches to protecting their rights and wellbeing. The analysis connects children's issues to broader questions about power, vulnerability, and human development.

Readers appreciate Young-Bruehl's systematic examination of prejudices and biases against children in society. Many note the book offers concrete examples of how childism manifests in policy, education, and family structures. Several reviewers highlight the author's analysis of how adult-centric worldviews impact children's rights and wellbeing. Critics say the book becomes repetitive and academic in tone. Some readers found the writing style dense and difficult to follow. A few reviewers disagreed with drawing parallels between childism and other forms of prejudice like racism or sexism. "Makes you question assumptions about how society treats children" - Goodreads reviewer "Important concepts but gets bogged down in academic language" - Amazon reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (28 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) The book receives stronger ratings from academic and professional readers compared to general audiences.

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🔹 Elisabeth Young-Bruehl was a psychoanalyst and award-winning biographer who studied under Hannah Arendt at the New School for Social Research in New York City. 🔹 The term "childism" was first coined by Jack C. Westman in 1991, but Young-Bruehl expanded the concept to describe prejudice against children as a distinct form of discrimination, similar to racism or sexism. 🔹 The book argues that child abuse, neglect, and other forms of mistreatment aren't just individual acts but rather symptoms of a broader societal prejudice that views children as property rather than people. 🔹 Young-Bruehl completed the manuscript for "Childism" shortly before her death in December 2011, making it her final published work. 🔹 The research presented in the book draws parallels between historical attitudes toward children and other forms of prejudice, showing how societies have used similar justifications to deny rights to both children and other marginalized groups.