Childhood

Question 1

Aries

Answer 1

We have moved towards a world obsessed with childhood - shows its a social construct
Uses work of art - in 13th century children don’t have the same characteristics of children, simply adults depicted on a smaller scale

Question 2

Pilcher (social construct)

Answer 2

Separateness = childhood is a clear and distinct life stage

Question 3

Benedict (social construct)

Answer 3

Children in non - industrial societies are treated differently
- takes responsibility at an early age
- Childrens sexual behaviour is viewed differently

Question 4

Palmer (MOP)

Answer 4

Argues rapid technology and cultural changes in past 25yrs have damaged childrens physical, emotional and intellectual development

Question 5

Mayall (New sociology)

Answer 5

Calls all previous views of childhood an ‘adulist’ POV
. New sociology of childhood sees children as active agents who play a major part in creating their own childhood

Question 6

Smart (New sociology)

Answer 6

The new sociology of childhood aims to include the view and experiences of children themselves while they’re living through childhood

Question 7

Grittins (new sociology)

Answer 7

Argues there is an age patriarchy of adult domination - the term ‘family’ referred origionaly to the power of the male head over all other members
^ Still assert itself through violence and acting down behaviour towards younger children

Question 8

Hillman (conflict)

Answer 8

Parents are more willing to let boys do ‘dangerous’ things than girls

Question 9

Marxist and Feminist (Conflict View)

Answer 9

Argue society is based on conflict between social groups - domination and subordination
^ Argues MoP view of modern childhood is based on a false image that ignores important inequalities

Question 10

Firestone and Holt (conflict)

Answer 10

Many of the things MoP writers see as care and protection are just new forms of oppression and control

Question 11

Jenks (future)

Answer 11

Believes childhood is changing - adults relationships becoming moe unstable so more focus on relationships with children and making sure they are protected.
Childhood continues to be a separate status

Question 12

Postman (future)

Answer 12

Argues childhood is disappearing - trend towards giving children the same rights as adults
Due to print culture being replaced by tv culture (info hierarchy)