Childhood As A Social Construct Flashcards
What do sociologists mean by childhood and the position that children occupy in society?
children’s position is not fixed but differs between different times, places and culture.
Why is childhood seen as a special time?
children are fundamentally different to adults.
What does society see children as in the modern western notion of childhood?
physically and psychologically immature and not competent to run their own lives.
What does it mean if children lack skills, knowledge and experience?
It means that they need a lengthy, protected period of nurturing and socialisation before they are ready for the adult society and responsibilities.
What does Pilcher believe that is the most important feature of the modern idea?
The most important feature is separateness
How do sociologist see childhood in society?
Sociologist see childhood as socially constructed, something created and defined by society.
How do children now have a separate status from adults?
Laws regulate what children are allowed, required or forbidden to do
Children dress differently
Different products and services like toys, books, food and entertainment
What is childhood seen as apart from separateness?
The golden age of happiness and innocence
What do adults do to keep their innocent children safe
Adults keep their children quarantined and separate from the adult world
Give examples of how adults keep their children separate from adult world
Eg
Don’t talk to strangers
Safe guarding children
Supervise children
What does wagg believe about childhood?
That there is no universal idea of childhood and it changes from time to time - not based on biology
If in western cultures children are seen as vulnerable how do other cultures see children
Other cultures don’t see a great difference between children and adults
What did Benedict say about children who live in a non industrial society?
Societies are generally treated differently for example take responsibility at a early age eg punch found in Bolivia children at the age of five were expected to work
What did firth find among tikopia people?
Doing as you are told is a concession to be granted And shows obedience to adult authority
What did Malinowski find in his studies?
Found that adults took an attitude of tolerance and amused interest towards children’s exploration and activities
Why do some sociologist think western ideas are now being globalised?
Campaigns against child labour and concerns about street children however may have little impact because developing countries see this as maturing children for the adult world
What was Aries’ view and how did he support this view ?
Aries supported his view through works of art
Aries believed the idea that childhood does not exist
Soon after being weaned enter society as a adult
Shorter argued that high death rates Encouraged indifferent and neglect towards infants meaning
That it was common for parents to give new born babies same name a a recently deceased sibling
What is meant by the modern cult of the child in the 17th century ?
Schools were introduced to educate the influence of the church saw children as fragile creatures of God Clothing changed upper class boys dressed differently from adults
Changes in the position of children changed because of laws
Laws were passed restricting child labour from being a economic asset to financially dependant on their parents
Changes in the position of children changed because of compulsory schooling
Raising of leaving school age has extended this period of dependancy
Changes in the position of children due to legalisation
Children act 1989 made the welfare of the children the fundamental principle underpinning agencies such as social services
Changes in the position of children UN convention
Basic rights such as entitlement to healthcare and education protection to abuse
Changes in the position of children lower IMR
High standards of living
Encourage parents to make greater and financial and emotional investment in fewer children
Changes in the position of children children’s development
Donzelot 19 century
Stressed children need supervision and protection
Aries can be criticised as his view of the past is inaccurate?
Childhood was different however children were still seen as vulnerable
