Childhood Flashcards
What is childhood ? is it a natural state ?
Childhood is the span of time ranging from birth to adolescence. It is a social construction because if it was a natural biological state children would experience it the same everywhere.
*What did Aries (1962) talk about ?
'’Mini adults’’- Childhood is a recent invention.
In the middle ages childhood didn’t exist, they were seen as mini adults and as soon as they were able they were put to work in the factories. The emergence of childhood came around due to the Factory Act where children were banned from working in factories.
What is the March of Progress ?
Its the argument/ view that the position of children in society has improved e.g. The are now protected from harm and exploitation- Factory Act and 1980 Forster Education Act.
What is child centredness and who suggested it ?
Berger and Berger- society is which highlights the importance of children’s rights and protection etc
How has society become child centred ?
welfare state support for children. children's legal rights paediatricians- children doctors. parenting classes children consumer markets.
What is Pester power ?
Where companies advertise to children now not adults so they bug their parents until they get what they want.
Give examples of children’s legal rights ?
1989 Children Act- provided local authority services.
United Nation convention of the rights of a child 1989- sets out the minimum standards for protecting children’s rights up to 18 years old.
what did Phillips say about childhood ?
that the culture of parenting has been broken down and that the innocence of childhood is undermined by two factors: - children have to many rights which limit parents power so they’re criticised for smacking etc.
- also the media and peers influence children now more than their parents.
*What did Lee (2001) say about childhood ?
The social construction is changing, they are now seen as unstable and complete where as adults are seen as unstable and incomplete because of divorce rates and jobs are no longer for life but it used to be the other way round.
*What did Postman say about childhood ?
'’Tweenagers’’. childhood is disappearing. Tv has meant that no secrets can be kept from children as they have access to the adult world whenever they want.
Also there is little distinction between adults and children. children’s games are disappearing and they are beginning to dress like adults too. The traditional transition into adult hood no longer applies e.g. getting your driving licence or getting a job.
What did Sue palmer indicate ?
There are alarming signs of a ‘‘Toxic Childhood’’.
According to Palmer what is the trend because of?
unhealthy foods lack of play in natural settings poor sleep patterns little interaction with family. decline in emotional security.
Identify 4 way in which childhood has become a negative experience ?
poverty divorce/ family break ups abuse bullying health problems role of career
How is childhood different across cultures ?
In non industrial cultures there is less of a distinction between adults and children.
Benedict suggest 3 distinct differences between modern western children and non industrial children, what are they ?
earlier responsibility
sexual behaviour
less obedience to adult authority.
