Childhood

Question 1

changes to childhood over time - Aries

Answer 1

in the Middle Ages, the idea of childhood did not exist - children had the same responsibilities and skills as adults - in turn, they were considered economic assets
however, as the modern notion of childhood began to emerge, there became a profound distinction between children and adults in terms of clothing, rights and responsibilities

Question 2

changes to childhood over time - Postman

Answer 2

in modern society, childhood is ‘disappearing’: children and adults have the same rights, children’s unsupervised traditional names are disappearing, children are committing ‘adult’ crimes
the printed word created a hierarchy between adults, who can read, and children, who cannot - this gives adults power to keep ‘adult matters’ private
however, TV blurs the distinction and information hierarchy; TV does not require special skills to access it

Question 3

changes to childhood over time - Shorter

Answer 3

in the Middle Ages, the high death rate of children encouraged indifference and neglect
for example, parents referred to their child as “it” or gave the child a name of a recently dead sibling

Question 4

has childhood improved? - the march of progress view

Answer 4

childhood has improved significantly, due to how children are now perceived as vulnerable people who needs taking care of
in addition, there has been an introduction of laws which improve the experience of childhood (e.g: laws banning child labour)

Question 5

has childhood improved? - Palmer

Answer 5

‘toxic childhood’ - rapid technological and cultural changes have damaged children’s physical, emotional and intellectual development
this is the result of intensive marketing to children, parents working long hours and testing in education

Question 6

has childhood improved? - Gittins

Answer 6

‘age patriarchy’ - there is an age patriarchy of adult domination and child dependency
this may assert itself in the form of violence against children