Childhood Flashcards
One way in which childhood IS a social construct
Pilcher argues that childhood is a social construct because childhood is seen as a separate stage in life to adulthood. This is evident from laws which regulate what children are allowed, required and forbidden to do. They are also dressed differently to adults and there are services and products aimed specifically at children e.g toys, books, food. Childhood is seen as a golden age of happiness and innocence. Therefore, children are seen as vulnerable and in need of protection from dangers of the adult world.
Evaluation of Pilcher of why childhood IS a social construct
This is only the view of childhood in the western world, but not in all societies -in some societies children are not seen as separate to adults.
A second way in which childhood IS a social construct
Jenks argues childhood is a social construct, created during the 20th century by the modern society when childhood started to be seen as a time in which children had to be protected and nurtured by the family and the ed system. Modern society is concerned with futurity and childhood is seen as preparation to become a productive adult in the future. For this the vulnerable child needs to be protected and nurtured and controlled. This led to the idea of childhood as a separate stage to adulthood.
criticism of Jenks of why childhood IS a social construct
over-generalises the experience of children and his study used a small sample
(Only) one way in which childhood is NOT a social construct
Biological view of childhood-childhood is a period of physical and mental development which occur through several stages, each of which brings the individual closer to adulthood.
criticism of the biological view of childhood is not a social construct
childhood is not a natural, biological stage in life. If it was natural and biological, all children in all cultures would have the same experiences of childhood, but they do not
one way in which the position of children in society and the family has improved
Aries and Shorter - March of progress view - over the last few centuries, children’s lives have been improving and are now better than ever. today children are more valued, better cared for and have rights.
The family and society have become child-centred. Parents invest emotional work, time and money into their children . Much of media output and leisure activities are designed specifically for children
a second way in which the position of children in society has improved
Butler et al- an important change in the role of children is that they now have more rights. There are laws to protect children, and the state can even take them away from their parents for protection.Butler researched children aged 8-11 to ask them about their role in family decisions and found that they had lots to say -even about the important decisions so children today have power in families
One way in which the position of children in society and family has not improved
Furedi -paranoid parenting
parents are so worried about their children’s safety (bc of the media creating a moral panic about dangers to children) that they prevent them from playing outside, going to skl trips etc.
As a result, children spend their times indoors, playing console games, eating junk food and not developing their imagination or social skills
This is all damaging to children’s development and experience of childhood
A second way in which the position of children in society and family has not improved
Palmer argues that rapid technological and cultural changes are creating a toxic childhood and that children’s physical, emotional and intellectual development is being damaged.
These changes include the availability of junk food, computer games, advertising targeted at children, both parents working long hours and excessive teaching at school. These cause children to spend long hrs in front of the TV, eating unhealthy food and being by themselves which prevents development.
Criticism of the negative children’s position in society and the family
Deterministic - they see children as passive objects who have no say in their own childhoods.
One way in which childhood is disappearing
Qvotrup argues childhood is disappearing because of falling birth rates.
As fewer and fewer children are born, there is lesser need for investment into children’s resources such as skls, playgrounds..
Also childhood is becoming an isolated experience as there are fewer children in the family and neighbourhood
criticism of qvotrup who argues childhood is disappearing
Opie argues childhood is not disappearing. She carried out research into children’s toys, games and songs and claims there is a continuity of children’s culture.
one way in which childhood is disappearing
postman- mass media has brought adult world into the lives of children as a result the boundaries between the lives of children and adults is breaking down. children are growing up too quickly and losing their innocence . They are becoming more like adults in terms of their dress, criminal and sexual behaviour. For example, underage sex, drinking and smoking This means the death of childhood.
criticism of postman who argues childhood is disappearing
overemphasises the influence of television and ignores other factors that affect the development of childhood
