Transformation of childhood

Living in more diverse families: long-term trends in numbers of marriages and divorces, as well as the share of families headed by a single parent. Smaller families, older parents: the long-term trend to declining birth rates, as well as the older age of mothers when they have their first child. Children’s health: child health examined through obesity levels – growing rapidly in a number of countries – and prescriptions for behavioural disorders in children. Children’s inheritance of life chances: more children live in households defined as being below poverty levels, while the inter-generational bond in educational attainment levels may be loosening. Expecting more of children: the growing general expectations that children should work hard but also be imaginative.