The transformation of childhood' social and cultural institutions in contemporary culture
The article considers the basic concept devoted to the formation of a social-cultural institution childhood. As well as the analysis of present conditions of childhood and risks. The Phenomenon of childhood considered on the basis of the concept N. Postman, L. deMause, Ph. Aries. Historically, the children were perceived primarily as a small version of the adults. As evidence Ph. Aries cites art work. There are no images of children (there are babies) until XIII-XV centuries. N. Postman relates the birth of childhood with the advent of school systems in XVI-XVIII centuries. Children were increasingly segregated by age. L. deMause creates typology of culture, based on models of the relationship between adult and child in history. Childhood is the late historical creature that is in the process of transformation (or disappearance - N. Postman) in modern times. It is concluded that a social-cultural institution childhood is a complex historical phenomenon. We are not able to fully understand the essence of the phenomenon of childhood, because it is historically variable. And only approximately able to predict the form of his existence in the future.