Childhood Flashcards
What is a feature of the modern idea of childhood according to Pilcher (1995)?
Separateness, clear & distinct life stage, different status from adults
Emphasised in laws regulating what children are allowed, required & forbidden to do.
How does Wagg (1992) define childhood?
Socially constructed, no single universal way experienced by all, isn’t natural, should be defined by biology
All humans go through the same stages of physical development, but different cultures define childhood differently.
What are two characteristics of children in simpler, non-industrial societies according to Benedict (1934)?
- Responsibility at an early age
- Less value placed on showing obedience
What is the significance of Punch’s (2001) study on childhood in rural Bolivia?
Children have work responsibilities at home & community starting at age 5.
What was the perception of childhood during the Middle Ages according to Ariès (1960)?
The idea of childhood was non-existent, not seen as having different nature or needs from adults.
The concept of childhood emerged after the 13th century with schools for young children and distinct clothing for upper class.
What does Pollock (1983) suggest about the notion of childhood in the Middle Ages?
It was simply a different notion from today.
What does Shorter (1975) attribute to high death rates in the Middle Ages?
Indifference & neglect, especially towards infants.
What are some reasons for the change in the perception of childhood?
- Laws restricting child labour
- Introduction of compulsory schooling
- Child protection measures
- Growth of children’s rights
What emerged in the 19th century according to Donzelot (1977)?
Theories of child development that stressed children need supervision & protection.
What does Postman (1994) argue about childhood?
Childhood is disappearing at a dazzling speed due to trends giving kids the same rights as adults.
What evidence does Opie provide against the idea of disappearing childhood?
Evidence of continued existence of separate children’s culture over many years.
What does Jenks (2005) say about the nature of childhood in contemporary society?
Childhood is changing, not disappearing, as society moves from modernity to postmodernity.
What does the March of Progress view suggest about children today?
Children are more valued, better cared for, protected & educated, enjoy better health & more rights than previous generations.
What does De Mause (1974) claim about the history of childhood?
It has been a nightmare, with less care further back in history.
What is Palmer’s (2007) concept of ‘toxic childhood’?
Rapid technological & cultural change in the past 25 years has damaged children’s physical, emotional & intellectual development.
What inequalities among children does Hillman (1993) highlight?
Gender differences, such as boys being allowed to cross & cycle on roads alone.
What does Bonke find regarding girls and domestic labour?
Girls are often expected to engage in domestic labour.
What does Bhatti (1999) state about Izzat and its impact on girls?
Izzat (family honour) acts as a restriction for girls, showcasing ethnic differences.
What does Firestone/Holt argue about the March of Progress view?
What is seen as care & protection is actually new forms of oppression & control over children.
What does Katz (2004) observe about rural Sudanese children?
They roam freely without supervision.
What is the concept of age patriarchy according to Gittins?
Inequality of adult dominance over child dependency.
What does Smart (2011) argue about children in the New Sociology?
Children are active agents in creating their own childhood and that there is a diverse range of childhoods.
Fill in the blank: According to Tipper, children choose their _______.
[family]
