Changing status of children and childhood Flashcards
ARIES (1962)
‘Centuries of childhood’
In medieval society childhood didn’t exist, did not begin to appear until the 15th century.
After the stage of infancy, children from the age of 5 or 6 were ‘absorbed into the world of adults’ and were companions to adults.
Children were not depicted differently in medieval paintings.
Whole society was very young and knew nothing of the modern idea of education.
Suggests childhood emerged through industralisation.
POSTMAN
“The disappearance of childhood’
Sees childhood as invisible in medieval times. Life was communal and children were not protected from life.
A new definition of adulthood arose with the invention of the printing press and the spread of literacy-lead to greater power of adults.
Children were now seen as in need of CONTROL, DISCIPLINE and OBEDIENCE in order to become an adult.
Now have a more child centred form of learning but the status of children is still under the control of adults.
Child-centred society?
Long period of education for all children to prepare them for adulthood.
Spend large amounts of money on toys+equipment for children.
We try to protect children from death, violence, conflict.
New laws-children under 17 cannot go to prison.
