Childhood- Families and households Flashcards
How do sociologists see childhood as?
socially constructed
socially constructed
created and defined by society
When does childhood differ?
between different times, places and cultures
Jane pilcher
the most important feature of childhood is separateness
what does jane pilcher mean when she says that the most important feature of childhood is separateness?
children occupy a separate status from adults
Factors which make children separate from adults
- different laws determining what they are allowed or required to do
- difference in dress
- products and services which are made specifically for children e.g. toys, food, play areas
What term is used to describe childhood?
‘the golden age’
Why is childhood known as the ‘golden age’?
- it is filled with happiness and innocence
- They are vulnerable and therefore in need of protection for the dangers of the adult world
Stephen wagg
as childhood is socially constructed, there is not one single universal experience of childhood
Why is there not one single universal experience of childhood?
different societies go through the aging process in different manners
Philippe Aries 1960
- in pre-industrial society, children were seen as little adults
- take on adult responsibilities from as young as 7 or 8
What used to be expected of children?
- help out with productive activities in the household
- seen as being criminally responsible and were punished for committing crimes on similar basis to adults
What did Aries say were the two factors which meant that children weren’t regarded as objects of love and devotion?
1- high levels of infant morality rates
2- children had to work in order for the family unit to survive
When did children start becoming seen as children and not little adults?
mid 1900s
Why did children start becoming seen as children and not little adults?
the infant morality rate started to decrease with improvements in sanitation and diet
What social class remained classing children as ‘little adults’ during the mid 1900s?
the working class
Why did the working class continue classing children as ‘little adults’ during the mid 1900s?
they were dependent on them for an income
Reasons for changes in childhood (6)
- laws made restricting child labour
- the introduction to compulsory schooling in 1880
- lower infant mortality rates
- declining family sizes
- laws and policies made specifically for children
- child protection and welfare legislation
How did the industrialisation change childhood?
It increased the need for an educated workforce and increased the standard of living for many, leading to lower mortality rates
Who follows the march of progress view of childhood improving?
Aries and Shorter
Aries and Shorter
children are more values, better cared for, better educated, healthier and have more rights compared to those of previous generations
Examples of the march of progress view
- protected from harm and exploitation by laws
- family has become more child-centred
How has the family has become more child-centred?
parents invest a great deal in their children both emotionally and financially
What do conflicts of the march of progress view argue?
it ignores the inequalities and many children still remain unprotected and uncared for
