CHILDHOOD AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION

Question 1

WHAT IS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION?

Answer 1

Something created by society rather than biologically based

Question 2

WHY DOES PILCHER ARGUE THAT CHILDHOOD IS NOT A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION?

Answer 2

Separateness theory

1) Phycological Immaturity: Brain continues to develop until 25

2) Physical Immaturity: Puberty and Sex drive continues until 25

3) Childhood is distinct stage in terms of law, activities etc

Question 3

WHY DOES JAMES AND PROUT ALSO ARGUE THAT CHILDHOOD IS NOT A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION?

Answer 3

Dominate Framework Theory

Adults = Complex + Moral Compass

Children = Simple + Only Concerned with themselves

Question 4

WHAT IS THE SENSIBLE ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO THE QUESTION: ‘IS CHILDHOOD A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT’

Answer 4

Different stages are more likely to be a social construct compared to others

1) Infancy - definitely not, needed for survival

2) 5 - 12: more likely, some differences appear

3) 13+: most likely a social construct

Question 5

NAME THE TWO THEORIES (BRIEF) THAT ARGUE THAT CHILDHOOD IS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT

Answer 5

Benedict (Cultural Relativity)

Aries (Historical Relativity)

Question 6

WHAT IS HISTORICAL RELATIVITY?

Answer 6

Childhood is a social construct because it has changed over time

Pre Industrial: children were seen as small adults

Industrial: beginnings of modern childhood (Child Law 1888)

Modern day childhood

Question 7

WHAT IS CULTURAL RELATIVITY?

Answer 7

Childhood is a social construct because it varies between cultures (eg laws)