Children, Welfare and the State provides an accessible introduction to childhood studies, complete with reviews and critiques contemporary theories of childhood, and gives a clear introduction to key areas of child-related policies. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the study of childhood within the social sciences. Much of the recent research has been shaped by the development of a 'new' sociological paradigm for studying childhood. Children, Welfare and the State reviews and critiques recent postmodern perspectives on childhood, as well as the key psychological theories of child development and growth. Strongly outlining recent developments in a number of key areas such as government policy, regulating the educational experience, introducing curfews, and reducing the age of criminal responsibility, for example, Goldson, Lavalette and McKechnie highlight trends towards increasing child inequality and poverty - with the concomitant effect this has on the child's health and wellbeing. Children, Welfare and the State reveals the divisions within the category 'child' and the role of the state and the state welfare and criminal justice systems in regulating children's lives, and stigmatizing certain groups of children. This critical and engaging textbook designed to meet students needs on courses in childhood studies, as well as courses on child policy and social work.