Childhood Flashcards
whats the modern notion of childhood
Childhood is a sacred time of protection. ‘golden age of happiness’
what does pilcher say the most important feature of childhood is?
‘separateness’ - children occupying a separate status from adults
how do non industrial societies notion of childhood differ from a westen view of childhood
- take responsibility at a young age
- less value placed on children showing obedience to adult authority
- childrens sexual behaviour viewed differently
explain western globalisation of childhood
campaigns against child labour in developing countries reflect how western countries view what childhood should be.
how was childhood viewed in the middle ages
Aries - childhood did not exist
children seen as mini adults
how were parental attitudes towards children different from now according to Shorter
high death rates encouraged neglect towards infants
newborn babies often called ‘it’ or given the name of a dead sibling
How does Pollock criticise aries
childhood did exist it was just a different notion of childhood than today
what are the reasons for changing the positions of children?
- compulsory schooling
- exclusion of children from paid work
- declining family size, lower infant mortality rate
- growing idea of childrens rights
How is industrialisation a reason for changing positions of children?
an industrial economy requires an educated workforce = compulsory schooling
why does postman claim childhood is dissapearing?
the fall of print culture and the rise of television
explain information hierarchy
postman - adults used to be able to withhold info about adult maters from children. Now they cant do that beacause of television. Bluring the distinction between adults and children
criticisms of postman
over emphasises one cause - televison
studys show that there is a continued existance of childrens seperate culture over eyars
explain jenks theory on childhood become postmodern
postmodern society = relationships more unstable
meaning higher value on relationships with children as divorce becomes more common
criticisms of Jenks
over generalising - implys all children are in the same position
explain child centred society (march of progress)
- higher living standard = smaller families = parents can afford to provide for each child properly
- children now the focus of family, parents now investing emotionally as well as financially
