Childhood Flashcards
1
Q
How to sociologists view childhood?
A
➞ socially constructed; created + defined by society. Childhood differs between times, places + cultures
➞ Pilcher notes that childhood is seen as a clear + distinct life stage, separate from adults
➞ however, Wagg states that this is not found in all societies “there is no signal universal childhood, experienced by all + therefore childhood is not natural
2
Q
Why has childhood changed?
A
➞ laws against child exploitation (19th century)
➞ compulsory schooling
➞ declining in family size + lower infant mortality
➞ technology
3
Q
What are the causes of child-centeredness?
A
➞ smaller families
➞ shorter working week = more time with family
➞ increasing affluence
➞ compulsory education, children depend of family for longer
