Childhood Flashcards
What is the modern western notion of childhood?
- Children are fundamentally different from adults
- Physically & Psychologically immature
- Lack skills & experience
What did Jane pincher (1995) show?
Childhood is seen as the ‘Golden age of innocence’
What did Stephen wagg (1992) argue?
Childhood is socially constructed, not a universal concept
What does Samantha punch (2001) show?
Children in Bolivia, 5 years old, take work responsibilities in the home & local community without hesitation
What does Philippe Aries (1960 ) argue?
That in the Middle Ages (10th - 13th centuries), the idea of childhood did not exist
What did Aries say about children?
Children were ‘mini- adults’ with the same rights, duties & skills as adults
What are the 3 notion of childhood that started to emerge from the 13th century onwards?
- Schools started to specialise in educating the young
- Clothing became separate for adults & children
- Child- centredness started to occur- handbooks on childrearing were available for parents
Who criticises Philipe Aries (1960) and why?
Linda pollock (1983) as it is more correct to say that in the Middle Ages, society simply had a different view of childhood
Reasons for changes in the position of children during 19th & 20th centuries:
Declining family size, Children’s rights, compulsory schooling, Children’s health, Child protection, laws & policies, lower infant mortality rates, child labour laws
What is the march of progress view that the position of childhood is improving?
That the position of children in western societies has been steadily improving over-time
What is the conflict view that the position of childhood is improving?
That march of progress view is idealised, false & ignores inequalities
Inequalities between children & adults
March of progress sociologists argue adults use their power to protect children, conflict sociologists argue this power is used to oppress children
What does shulamith Firestone argue?
Child labour laws actually segregate children, keep them dependent, keep them subject to adult control
Neglect & Abuse for children
Tens of thousands of children physically, sexually; psychologically or emotionally abused by adults every year.
What does Postman (1994) argue?
Childhood is ‘disappearing at a dazzling speed’
What does smart (2011) argue?
Sociologists need to consider the views & experiences of children
