Childhood Flashcards
PILCHER
The idea of separateness.
Childhood is seen as a distinct life stage separate from adulthood
This is emphasised in several ways through clothes/media/laws/book
What is the golden age in childhood?
The concept that childhood is full of happiness and innocence.
So children are viewed as vulnerable and need of protection –> remain in sphere of education and family.
WAGG
Childhood is socially constructed.
Not biological or universal differs historically and cross-culturally
Aries
→ childhood is not a new invention
Argues during the middle ages the concept of modern childhood did not exist
When a child was not dependent on a parent they would be sent to work → the legal system did not distinguish children from women.
Used artwork to gain this view
Pollock
Criticised Aries stating childhood did exist
Short
→ Parental attitudes toward children have drastically changed during middle ages.
With such high infant mortality rates parents would be neglectful and had attitudes of indifference towards children → e.g would give child dead sibling name
Holmes ( cultural differences)
Study of samoan villlage
* Found that being ‘too young’ was not used as an excuse
* Children expected to complete tasks and parents do not object
Malinowski ( cultural differences)
Childrens sexual behaviur viewed differently
In a south west pacific island found adults took tolerance and laughter towards children sexual exploitations
What is globalisation and how does it link to childhood?
The idea that the world is becoming more interconnected.
The western notion of childhood has become more globalised with their interpretations of norms and values acossiated being spread.
Reasons for the growth in child centreness
- Laws restricting child labour ( economic liabilities not assets)
- Growth in child rights
- Child protections and welfare - parents have responsibility rather than children
- Declining family size and low infant mortality - greater cate and attention paid to children
- Medical knowledge-
- Laws ad policies that apply solely to children
How did industrialisation lead to child centredness
Modern industry needs an educated workforce
Similarly, the higher the standard of living and better welfare provision that industry makes possible lead to lower infant mortality.Therefore industrialisation is a key factor in bringing about the modern idea of childhood.
POSTMAN
Argues childhood is disappearing at a dazzling speed
He argues the first emergence of childhood has disappeared due to the fall in print culture and its replacement by television culture.
In the past children were illiterate and therefore were not able to participate in adult would due to not having the verbal or intellectual skill level to understand the material
Whereas now television blurs this distinction between childhood and adulthood as TV does not require specialist skills to be understood so children are able to access information that is available to adults
JENKS
Agrees with aries that childhood is a modern creation
Now argues childhood is undergoing change as society moves into postmodernity.
With more divorces and parents relationships breaking down the protetion and stability of the relationship with their children is even more important.
Therefore believes childhood is still separate as legal and restrictions still separate them from adults.
march of progress view on childhood
Childhood is becoming more positive and much more valued as children are being more educated and protected
Who were march of progress theoristd?
Aries and Shorter
De Mause - march of progress
‘ History of childhood is a nightmare (…) the further you go back (..) children are killed,abandoned,beaten.
Childhood is developing as children are more valued
Child centred family impact on childhood
The child centred family
Higher living standards and amount of children has decreased
5.7 births per woman 1860s 1.5 births per woman modern
Children are now the focal point of the family → parents now investing more emotionally and financially into each kid → childhood more positive / have better life
Births rate in 1860s in comparison to now per women
5.7 births per woman 1860s 1.5 births per woman modern
PALMER
the rapi technology and cultural changes have damaged childrens physical, emotional and intellectual development
What is the conflict view on childhood?
argues the march of progress view is based on false idealised imagery and ignores inequality
* inequalities in terms of opportunities and risks they face
* inequalities between adult and children is wider ( greater oppression than care)
HILLMAN
Boys are more likely to go out after dark and cycle on the road
* girls socialised into a sedate bedroom cultures whilst boys get more freedom
BRANNENS
study of 15/16 year olds found Asian parents are more likely to be strict to daughters
criticism of conflict view
cannot speak of all children generally as if we are all equal –> as social,gender can affect life chances
FIRESTONE AND HOLT
march of progress only see protection and care which is really oppression and control
