Childhood is a Social Construction

The idea that childhood is socially constructed means that it is invented by members of society. The important point about childhood is that it is not biological but formed by social interactions throughout time, and therefore, it is subject to cultural elements such as symbols, languages, values, etc. So, it differs based on time and place. Childhood shapes relevant social institutions and it also affects the narratives in cultural discourse. For instance, children’s literature and kindergarten which did not exist in the 18^th century are the outcomes of this social construction. 

In the Phantom Tollbooth, human traits are given to some objects and concepts. DYNNE, which is actually “din” has given human qualities he described by “thundered […], sobbed [and] cried the anguished DYNNE”.