A new issue of Jacobin is out entitled, "Childhood." Life under capitalism profoundly shapes the lives of both children and parents. This issue examines some of the ways that interaction shapes us as individuals and our society more broadly. It also suggests some ways in which socialism could lead to fuller and richer childhoods and therefore lives for us all.

• Citizens of the Present, by Megan Erickson and Miya Takumitsu. A short intro that describes the paradoxical position of children in capitalist society and how this prevents all of us from reaching our full potential.
• A Blueprint for Universal Childhood, by Megan Erickson. Universal, nationally-subsidized parental leave and childcare are obtainable and would be especially liberating for parents, children, and early-childhood workers. It would also help create a healthier society for all of us.
• Every Child Needs the Good Enough State, by Catherine Liu. Contrasts the stress and anxiety of "perfectionist parenting" designed to optimise a child's capitalist potential and maintain class position with the richness of ordinary "good-enough" parenting.
• Rational Actors, by Jenny Brown. A short collection of interviews demonstrating how the lack of social supports for mothers and children in the US shapes the decision on whether to have children or not.

If you are not a Jacobin subscriber and any of these articles are still paywalled, we've made them accessible here for the reading group.