Childhood. (family) Flashcards
What did James Pilcher (1995) notice ?
That childhood today is distinctly separated from adulthood, being specially protected and regulated and having a separate set of rights and responsibilities.
What are some rules that separate childhood from adulthood in the UK ?
Remain in education until 18, marriage and sex / children are allowed at 16, driving a car is allowed at 17, criminal responsibility must be accepted at 10.
What does Stephen Wagg (1992) argue ?
That childhood must be understood separately from biological maturity, and that childhood is different depending on your social group / society.
What did Philippe Aries (1962) study / argue ?
Examined historical artwork to try and understand what the role of children was in medieval Europe. He found that the concept of childhood is around 300 years old, prior children took on adult roles as soon as they were able to. He believed that the “cult of the child” (started as a middle class phenomenon, spreading to other social classes) emerged with industrialisation and the emerging housewife role led to an important childcare role.
What evidence backed up Philippe Aries theory ?
Medieval portraits show children dressed up in the same clothing as adults, working in fields alongside adult workers.
What sociological group did Philippe Aries “the cult of the child” link to ?
The Functionalists and their idea of stratified diffusion.
What did Linda Pollock (1983) argue about Aries beliefs / study ?
That despite children appearing to take on adult roles in portraits, doesn’t mean that they had no concept of childhood or that parents didn’t care for their children. Medieval portraits only represented a tiny minority of the population.
Who’s research could counter Linda Pollock’s belief / criticism ?
Samantha Punch (2002) who found that in rural Bolivia children were expected to take on adult responsibilities from the age of 5.
