Converting to the Global Framework: A Challenge to Historians

In my panel presentation I will use childhood as an example of the reasons to globalize our reference work presentations, but also the challenges inherent in the process. Childhood is a tough topic in itself, and most historians involved may feel fairly pleased they can present a single case. Many will also legitimately note the unevenness of relevant historiography outside the West. Experience shows that some historians will engage but within an essentially Western framework, merely tacking on a note or two on a few other places -- the reference work equivalent to the "West and the rest". But reference work users will increasingly demand a multi-societal approach, and in fact the building blocks are already assembling. We must seek historians willing to stretch beyond place-specificity, and indeed we should be recasting elements of our training programs exactly with this in mind. We need more than even a good comparative approach, though this will help: childhood offers clear evidence of the importance of looking at common dynamics and wider patterns, while maintaining comparative sensitivity as well.