Omsorgsbegreppet och bilden av barnet.

This study focuses on the concept of care and the understanding of what it means to be a child. The study relates to how the concept of care relates to theories about children and childhood, particularly in relation to perceptions of the child as a project and the child as a being. Caring is treated on the basis of a philosophic and feminist perspective

The study indicates that the two terms ‘care’ and ‘learning’ have been separated, with care being regarded as superior to the concept learning. Care, i.e. caring for someone, does not mean controlling them.  Care is characterised by respect for the other and trying to understand the other's needs. Care involves a form of acceptance of the situation or the other as opposed to a 'project perspective' that focuses on change. The study concludes that daycare centres are not only viewed as a place for children who are on their way to school. It is a place where children live their lives and create relationships with others. Furthermore, it is also a place for learning, but to a greater extent a place where children play and relax, and where they are being cared for.

The study is a research synthesis.

Halldén, G. (2007). Omsorgsbegreppet och bilden av barnet. I: Halldén, G. Den moderna barndomen och barns vardagsliv (S. 60-80). Stockholm: Carlsson Bokförlag.