The Cultural Significance of the Child Star

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Sociology
Cover of the book The Cultural Significance of the Child Star by Jane Catherine O'Connor, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jane Catherine O'Connor ISBN: 9781135898250
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 26, 2010
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jane Catherine O'Connor
ISBN: 9781135898250
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 26, 2010
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The child star is an iconic figure in Western society representing a growing cultural trend which idolises, castigates and fetishises the image of the perfect, innocent and beautiful child. In this book, Jane O’Connor explores the paradoxical status of the child star who is both adored and reviled in contemporary society. Drawing on current debates about the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood and fears about children ‘growing up too soon’, she identifies hostile media attention around child stars as indicative of broader social concerns about the ‘correct’ role and place of children in relation to normative ideals of childhood. Through reference to extensive empirical examples of the way child stars such as Shirley Temple, Macaulay Culkin, Charlotte Church and Jackie Coogan have been constructed in the media, this book illustrates both the powerlessness and the power held by this tiny band of children, and demonstrates their significance as representatives of the public face of childhood throughout the twentieth century and beyond.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The child star is an iconic figure in Western society representing a growing cultural trend which idolises, castigates and fetishises the image of the perfect, innocent and beautiful child. In this book, Jane O’Connor explores the paradoxical status of the child star who is both adored and reviled in contemporary society. Drawing on current debates about the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood and fears about children ‘growing up too soon’, she identifies hostile media attention around child stars as indicative of broader social concerns about the ‘correct’ role and place of children in relation to normative ideals of childhood. Through reference to extensive empirical examples of the way child stars such as Shirley Temple, Macaulay Culkin, Charlotte Church and Jackie Coogan have been constructed in the media, this book illustrates both the powerlessness and the power held by this tiny band of children, and demonstrates their significance as representatives of the public face of childhood throughout the twentieth century and beyond.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Versions of Primary Education by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Keynes' Economics (Routledge Revivals) by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Digital World by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Global Capitalism, Culture, and Ethics by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Early Development and its Disturbances by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Reading and Loving by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Death in Medieval Europe by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Early Trade Unionism by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book New Departures in Marxian Theory by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Who's Who in Shakespeare by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Applied Biostatistical Principles and Concepts by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Multinational Work Teams by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Globalizing Feminist Bioethics by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Adolescent Identity and Schooling by Jane Catherine O'Connor
Cover of the book Israel and the Family of Nations by Jane Catherine O'Connor
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy