Childhood

Question 1

What was the history of childhood like according to Aries (middle ages, pre-industrial, industrial)?

Answer 1

Middle ages children= mini adults- dressed same, worked together

Pre-industrial society- extended family-> economic asset (farms)

Industrial society- nuclear family, child centred, contraception= a choice, infant mortality decreased (less children working)

Question 2

What is happening to the future of childhood according to Postman? Why is this?

Answer 2

Postman- ‘Childhood is disappearing at a dazzling speed’
Televesion culture
During middle ages, no division between children and adults NOW, children have same rights, similar clothes, children murdering

Question 3

Who criticises Postman’s view that ‘Childhood is disappearing’? What do they say?

Answer 3

Opie- childhood isn’t disappearing- strong evidence of continued existence of a separate children’s culture over many years

Question 4

According to March of progress sociologists, how has childhood improved?

Answer 4

Position of children in western societies= steadily improving, today= better than ever
Society= more child centred- media output, leisure activities, clothes, toys
Before in Victorian time, children were ‘seen but not heard’

Question 5

Give two criticisms of March of progress’ view on childhood

Answer 5

Criticised: Marx, Fems- mop view is based on a false and idealised image

Inequalities between adults and children now are bigger than ever (age patriarchy- Gittens)

Question 6

How does Aries argue that the position of childhood has improved?

Answer 6

Todays children= more valued, cared for e.g. children are now protected from harm, exploitation- new laws (1989 childrens act)

Question 7

How does Palmer argue the position of Childhood has not improved?

Answer 7

Toxic childhood, development of technology, media in past 25 years have damaged children’s physical and emotional development (junk food, video games)

Question 8

How does Gittens argue the position of childhood has not improved?

Answer 8

Age patriarchy- inequalities between children and adults, patriarchy between adult domination, child dependency (more economic dependence on parents now- cost of living, staying home after uni)

Question 9

Give a criticism for Gittens’ age patriarchy

Answer 9

children not as powerless as liberationists claim- 1989 children’s act