Imperfect Children. (360G-Wellcome-101588_Z_13_Z)

This application is for a conference dealing with the concept of imperfection as it relates particularly to children. The word itself is contentious whether applied in a contemporary or historical sense. It assumes normative standards of behaviour, physical appearance, mental capacity or way of living. At the same time it means very different things in particular ethnic, geographical or historical contexts. Applied to children who are constantly developing their intellectual and physical capacit ies, physical appearance and other attributes, it is particularly contentious. During the conference we wish to explore the concept and language of imperfection. We also, however, want to look explicitly at some of the imperfections themselves. These might include, but are not limited to: Mental or physical impairment; physical appearance, and the desire to improve children; learning development, and diagnosing and correcting imperfection. It is anticipated that the papers will have an historica l focus or will link historical data/perception with twenty-first century concerns. However, several of the papers offered for the conference meld historical perspective with methods and sources drawn from archaeology, art history, sociology and English literature. Two of the papers are by scientists working in the biological sciences, as the more detailed description shows.