childhood Flashcards
what are some cross-cultural differences in childhood, according to benedict? include findings of Holmes and Punch
what are the three ways that childhood is different in non- industrial societies according to Benedict?
Benedict= argues that there is less of a difference between children and adults, this shows that childhood is socially constructed
- they take responsibility at an earlier age
- less value is places on children showing obedience
- children’s sexual behaviour is often viewed differently
They take responsibility at an early age
Punch= study of childhood in rural Bolivia found that once children are about 5 years old, they are expected to take on work responsibilities
Holmes= study of a Samoan village found that “too young” was never given as a reason for not permitting a child to undertake a particular task, if a child thinks he can handle the activity, parents do not object
Less value is placed on children showing obedience to adult authority
Children’s sexual behaviour is often viewed differently
what did Shorter argue?
Shorter= argues that high death rates encourage indifference and neglect, especially towards infants, in the middle ages.
what did pollock argue?
Pollock= disagrees with Aries, more correct to say society had a different notion of childhood
what are some changes during the 19th and 20th century, that impacted the position of children.
Laws restricting child labour and excluding children from paid work
The introduction of compulsory schooling
Child protection and welfare legislation
The growth of the idea of children’s right
Declining family size and lower infant mortality- encourages parents to make greater financial and emotional investments in children
Children’s development became the subject of medical knowledge
Laws and policies that apply specifically to children e.g. smoking and drinking
Many sociologists argue that industrialization is the main cause for these changes. The modern industry changed as it needs a more educated workforce, so children.
what is jenks view on postmodernity, and childhood?
Unlike postman, Jenks does not believe childhood is disappearing but changing.
Jenks argues that in modern society, childhood is seen as a preparation to become productive adults in future, so the child needed to be nurtured.
However, Jenks argues postmodernity could impact childhood as it has led to children needing extra protection from their family as their parents’ relationships became more unstable e.g. divorce.
Parents’ relationships with their children become adults’ last refuge from constant uncertainty so parents become more protective, strengthening the view that children are vulnerable, and that adults and children remain separate.
what 2 things does the conflict view critique the MOP view on childhood.
There are inequalities among children in terms of opportunities and risks they face e.g. bad care
The inequalities between children and adults are large e.g. control and dependency
essentially arguing that inequalitys still exist, and the position of children have not entirely improved
name some inequalities between children (conflict view). name atleast 1 sociologist
In terms of opportunities and the risks they may face.
According to Maya Hillman, boys are more likely to be allowed to cycle on roads and go out after dank unaccompanied. Jens Bonke found that girls do more domestic labour.
Julie Brannen’s found that Asian parents were more likely to be strict towards their daughters.
Class inequalities between children due to wealth and healthcare availability.
name some inequalities between adults and children (conflict view). describe what they said (firestone +holt, gittens, hockey and james)
Firestone and Holt argue that many of the things that march of Progress writers see as care and protection are forms of oppression and control.
Adult control takes a number of forms:
Control over children’s space:
Children’s movements are highly regulated e.g. told to play in some areas but forbidden in others. More children are driven to school rather than traveling independently. More surveillance in places when children should be in school.
This control and surveillance contrasts with the independence of many children in developing countries. For example, Cindi Katz describes how rural Sudanese children roam freely.
Control over children’s time
Adults control childrens daily routines, including the times they get up and eat. Adults control the rate at which children grow e.g. what they are too young and old for.
This contrasts with Holmes findings that among Samoans “too young is never given as a reason for not allowing a child to do a particular task.
Control over children’s body’s
Adults control over children’s body’s including how they sit, clothes, hairstyles
Adults touch children in certain ways e.g. dressing, washing or smacking for discipline. However, restrict how children may touch their own body e.g. picking their nose and playing with genitals.
This is linked to abuse and neglect as children are not free to express their bodies in ways they deem fit.
Control over children’s access to resources
Children only have limited opportunity to earn money, so they remain dependent economically on adults: pocket money for good behaviour (But restrictions on what it can be spent on), state pays for child benefit (but it goes towards the parent).
This contrasts with the economic role of children in developing societies today. For example, Katz found that Sudanese children did productive work from age 3-4.
Age patriarchy:
Diana Gittins uses the term age patriarchy to describe inequalities between adults and children. Gittins state that patriarchy means “rule by the father” so there is an age patriarchy of adult domination and child dependency
Hockey and James= children attempt to resist oppressive childhood. E.g. they may “act up” (acting like adults, such as smoking/ swearing) or “act down” (acting younger, such as insisting on being carried)
describe the new sociology of childhood
Mayall understanding of childhood may be from an “adultist” viewpoint. They may see children for adults to mold and develop
The new sociology of childhood approach sees children as active agents in creating their childhoods. This enables sociologists to explore the diverse childhoods in a single society.
Smart= the new approach aims to include the views of children, while they are in childhood.
