Childhood Flashcards
CHANGES TO CHILDHOOD OVER TIME
childhood is ‘disapperaing’
POSTMAN
In modern society, childhood is ‘disappearing’. Children and adults have some of the same rights, children’s unsupervised traditional games are disappearing, children are committing ‘adult’ crimes. The printed word created a hierarchy between adults, who can read, and children, who cannot - this gave adults the power to keep ‘adult matters’ private. However, TV blurs the distinction and information hierarchy; TV does not require special skills to access it.
CHANGES TO CHILDHOOD OVER TIME
childhood did not exist in the middle ages
ARIES
In the middle ages, the idea of childhood did not exist. Children had the same responsibilities, rights 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 in adults in terms of clothing, rights and responsibilities.
CHANGES TO CHILDHOOD OVER TIME
middle age child death rate caused neglect.
SHORTER
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.
HAS CHILDHOOD IMPROVED?
March of progess view
Childhood has improved significantly, due to how children are now perceived as vulnerable people who need taking care of. In addition, there has been an introduction of laws which improve the experience of childhood (Eg. laws banning child labour).
HAS CHILDHOOD IMPROVED?
‘Toxic childhood’
PALMER
‘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
HAS CHILDHOOD IMPROVED?
‘Age patriarchy’
GITTINS
‘Age patriarchy’ - There is an age patriarchy of adult domination and child dependency. This may assert itself in the form of violence against children.
