Conceptions of infancy and childhood: a state of the art of anthropology of children in Brazil

Abstract

This paper proposes a bibliographical discussion on anthropological research focused on children and childhood in Brazil, including studies about or with children, and those centered on the politics of infancy and the rights of children and youth. Synthesizing the anthropology of children in Brazil, it debates concepts and methodologies, and proposes, as is argued throughout the text, that any research with or about children, their institutions, rights, and the policies focused on them , should start from the notions of childhood at play, including those of children who act and react – sometimes in conflict with – the notions of childhood they are presented with.