This thesis explores the concept of childhood and how it was construed through history. The thesis aims to present childhood as a social construction dependant on various social factors. A number of economic, social, political and cultural changes had impact on forming the notion of childhood as we know it today. The beginnings of the study of the childhood paradigm formation through history can be found in illustrations of culture and life of children in ancient times. Any society in which the concept of childhood was being construed has had its own elements, characteristic of life in said period in time. The most significant shift from the ancient and medieval understanding of the concept of childhood was made by Phillipe Aries in his book Centuries of Childhood that modified the view the society had on its youngest individuals, no longer perceiving them as “miniature adults”. The author positions children as social actors and equal members of a society. Research and study of different units of bibliography were oriented towards societies of Western Europe, to later be expanded to societies of the world. The problems of childhood are indicative of different geographical areas. The challenges of the Middle East, child slavery and child soldiers, childhood as a construct in rural and urban areas, along with other topical issues were observed. Diverse factors affect the quality of childhood. The Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted in the 20th century contributes a great deal in ensuring healthy development of every child. In modern times childhood faces new, not yet thoroughly investigated threats such as the impact of the media, consumerism, breakdown of the traditional nuclear family, as well as harsh economic conditions. The future of childhood is oriented towards enabling equal rights for every child and satisfying every child's need for self-actualization.