Childhood As A Social Construct

Question 1

What is the general notion of western childhood?

Answer 1

Children are physically and psychologically immature
They lack skills,knowledge and experience
Period of protection

Question 2

What is Jane Pilcher’s (1995) view?

Answer 2

Children are Separate from adults
Because of…
Separate laws for children
Difference in adult and child culture
Childhood = ‘gold age’ of happiness and innocence
Children are seen as vulnerable and need protection from adult world
Children’s lives generally within education and family - lives of play rather than work