Childhood Flashcards
What does it mean when ‘childhood is a social construct’
Its defined and created by society
Outline the Modern wester notion of childhood
- In todays society it’s generally accepted that childhood is a special time.
- Jane Pilcher (1995) notes that the main feature of childhood is the ‘separateness’
How is the modern western notion of childhood emphasised/ reinforced
Through laws and regulations that control what a child can and can’t do.
What does the separation of childhood do?
Creates an expectation of ‘golden age’ oof innocence and happiness
- Seen as vulnerable and in need of protection THF
Spend most of the time w. Family
However the childhood ‘stage’ is ________ found is all societies
+ who notes this
Not
Stephen Wagg (1992)
What did Stephen Wagg say abt childhood as a social construct
‘ so childhood isn’t “natural” andf should be distinguished form mere biological immaturity’
WHat are the main 3 cross cultural differences in childhood
- take responsibility at an early age
- less value is placed on children showing obedience to adult authority
- children’s sexual behaviour is often viewed differently.
Explain ‘They take responsibility at an early age’
Lowell Holmes (1974) found that Samoan children were permitted to undertake tasks that could include lifting heavily loads / danger
‘Too young’ is never used an an excuse
Explain ‘Less value placed on children showing obedience’
Raymond Firth (1970) found that among th western pacific doing what you were told was not a concession to be granted by the child’
Explain ‘children’s sexual behaviour’
Malinowski (1957) Found that adults in took an attitude of ‘tolerance and amused interest’ towards children sexual exploration in the south west pacific
Benedict argues that there are many ___________ cultures there is much less of a dividing line between the behaviour expected of children.
Non industrial
Explain the globalisation of western childhood.
Some argue that the western view of childhood is being spared across the world.
This is because the international humanitarian welfare agencies impose this across the globe
This is based on what the west
Explain the historical differences in childhood
The position of a child differs over time
Aries (1960) argues that in the Middle Ages there was no childhood once thee child had passed the stage of physical dependancy (infancy)
In the Middle Ages children were often seen as ______________ with the same rights, duties and skills as ________.
Mini adults
Adults
What type of evidence does Aries (1960) use to support his claim?
How does it support he view?
He uses paintings from the Middle Ages
There was no evidence of a childhood-like state. The paintings depict children dressed the same as adults, working and playing together
How did parental attitudes differ in the Middle Ages and why + Example?
Shorter (1975) argues that the high mortality rate encouraged neglect and indifference towards children .
It was not uncommon for parents to name Their child the name of their previous dead child
In what ways, according to Aries, did elements of modern childhood emerge?
- Schools that specialised in the education of the young then caused children to be seen as fragile and in need of protection from ‘worldly evils/
- Growing distinction between the clothing of a child and an adult
- Handbooks on childrearing was become in available by the 18th century
How does Aries describe the 20th century
The ‘century of the child’.
Where society is obsessed with childhood
What’s a criticism for Aries’s view?
Some say ( Pollock 1993 ) That its incorrect to say they childhood don’t exist but rather they had a different notion of childhood in the Middle Ages.
What are some of the reasons for the change in the position of children in the 19th and 20th century.
- Laws restricting and excluding child labour and paid work: Economic assets to economic liabilities
- The introduction of compulsory schooling: In 1880, extended the period of dependancy
- Child protection and welfare legislation: 1889 Prevention of cruelty act made the welfare of a child a fundamental principle
- The growth in the idea of children’s rights
- Declining in family size and mortality rate: encouraged parents to invest emotionally and economically in the child
- Children’s development became the subject of medical knowledge
What other reason do may sociologist claim is the reason why the position of children has changed?
(1)
Industrialisation
How would industrialisation improve the position of children
Modern industry needs an educated workforce and better standards of living due to the increased income
The shift away from agriculture as the basis for the economy
