Childhood as a Social Construction Flashcards
What does a Social Construction mean?
A social phenomenon created by society that varies from culture to culture
Social constructions are not naturally occurring but are influenced by societal norms and values.
What does Biological Determination refer to?
The regulation of phenomena, including social ones, by biology
This concept suggests that biological factors play a significant role in shaping behaviors and social roles.
How is a ‘Child’ defined legally and biologically?
Legally: below the age of majority; Biologically: before puberty
Different cultures may have varied definitions of what constitutes a child.
What is ‘Childhood’?
The period when a person is considered a child
This period can vary significantly between cultures.
What ideas and by who state childhood is not a social construct
Separateness: Pilcher
Dominate Framework: James and Prout
What does Pilcher mean by Separateness in childhood?
Childhood is socially separated and reflected in laws, dress, products and services, age of innocence, and activity
This indicates that childhood is recognized as a unique phase in life.
What is Physical Immaturity in children?
Children have not yet reached physical maturity, including puberty
Full physical development typically continues until the mid-20s.
What is Psychological Immaturity?
Psychological development continues into the mid-20s
This highlights that maturity is a gradual process.
Describe the Dominant Framework by James and Prout regarding children.
Children are seen as simple and amoral, concerned only with themselves
This contrasts with adults who are complex and moral, able to consider multiple perspectives.
What approach states that childhood being a social construct depends on different stages of development
Sensible Analytical Approach
This indicates a nuanced view that varies depending on developmental stages.
What is the Sensible Analytical Approach regarding stages of development?
Different stages of development are more likely to be a social construction than others
This suggests that some phases are influenced more by culture than biology.
Are Infancy and Toddlers considered a social construction?
NO, due to complete dependency on others for survival
This dependency is universal and not culturally specific.
Is the 5-12 age group considered a social construction?
COULD BE, as differences appear both intra-culturally and inter-culturally
This age group shows variability in experiences and expectations.
Is the 13+ age group likely a social construction?
YES, due to apparent cultural and historical differences
This stage tends to reflect more significant societal influences.
What ideas state that childhood is a social construct and who supports these ideas
Cultural Relativity - BENEDICT
Historical Relativity - ARIES
What does Cultural Relativity imply about childhood?
Childhood varies from culture to culture and within cultures
This concept highlights that experiences of childhood are not uniform.
What are examples of Intra Cultural Differences in childhood?
Class differences
These differences can significantly impact childhood experiences.
What are examples of Inter Cultural Differences in childhood?
Responsibilities and freedoms in different cultures
Examples include practices observed in the Firth Tikopia Tribe, Bolivia, and the Trobriand Islands.
What does Historical Relativity suggest about childhood?
Childhood has changed over time and is a modern construction
This indicates that societal views on childhood evolve with historical context.
What did ARIES find regarding the pre-industrial era’s view of childhood?
Children were considered adults in miniature with little variation in life experiences.
Childrn would work as soon as they were able
This included working as soon as they were able, with few protections.
What significant changes occurred in the Industrial Era regarding childhood?
The start of the modern concept of childhood and development of child protection laws
Children still worked in factories and were treated similarly to adults in the criminal justice system.
What characterizes the Modern era’s view of childhood?
A protected time of innocence and dependency, lasting until late teens or early 20s
Children have a distinct separate culture to adult
Children now have distinct cultural markers separate from adults.
