evaluate the view that changing patterns of childbearing and childrearing have had a positive impact on society. Flashcards
Paragraph 1 introduction
Some sociologists would argue that there have..
However, others would argue…
By childbearing sociologists…
Some sociologists would argue that there have been significant changes in patterns of childbearing and childrearing which have had a positive impact on society.
However, others would argue that the trends may in fact be negative.
By childbearing sociologists are referring to the number of children being born into a family and the time at which they are born, whereas childrearing refers to the way in which the children are raised by their families and the norms and values they are taught.
Paragraph 2
According to Item B, “the number of children in families is significantly lower than in the past, with the average British family only having one or two This is because children have become an economic liability “.
This suggests that families have become …
This means they are more…
This results…
This shows that patterns of childbearing/rearing have had..
According to Item B, “the number of children in families is significantly lower than in the past, with the average British family only having one or two children.
This is because children have become an economic liability “.
This suggests that families have become child-centred (Aries) as children are regarded as the focal point of the family and are treated differently as they are seen as more vulnerable.
This means they are more likely to be tightly controlled in terms of their movement, bodies, routines, etc. but the benefits of this are that they are more likely to be protected by their parents who invest huge amounts of time and money into their children.
This results in greater opportunities and a greater chance of social mobility (Functionalism).
This shows that patterns of childbearing/rearing have had a positive impact upon society as children go on to become well adjusted, healthy and emotionally stable members of society who are able to make valuable contributions to the economy and social life.
Paragraph 3
However it could b argued that there..
This can result…
However, it could be argued that there have been negative aspects as more women than ever work either full-time or part-time.
This can result in children receiving a lack of adequate socialisation (Murray) or emotional support (Murdock) at an early age and the result of this can be that they are drawn towards criminal behaviour as they feel a lack of attachment to their mothers (Bowlby).
Paragraph 4
Feminists, however,…
Ann Oakley also argues that women…
This shows that …
Feminists, however, would be critical as they argue that women are not solely responsible for housework and childcare and those who work are positive role models for their children.
Ann Oakley also argues that women are actually undertaking a greater share of responsibility for childcare than ever before as they are still seen as the primary carers, so in fact their presence in the economic workforce just means they are actually doing more for their children.
This shows that current patterns of childrearing have had a positive impact upon society to some extent.
Paragraph 5
An alternative perspective which is also critical is the…
Postman argues that…
this means that children …
This blurry boundary can …
This suggests
An alternative perspective which is also critical is the view that childhood is disappearing with the advent of new technologies and the constant exposure to an adult world.
Postman argues that parents are increasingly reliant on technology to “babysit” their children and to provide them with info.
this means that children are often prematurely exposed to death, sex, violence and other aspects of adulthood.
This blurry boundary can leave children vulnerable to abuse and can have a damaging effect on their mental health. This suggests that the patterns of childbearing are a detrimental one to society.
Paragraph 6
According to Item B, “women also have more control over their fertility through the introduction of free contraception and so are more likely to delay childbirth and as a consequence have fewer children”.
This suggests that patterns of childbearing… (made possible by new reproductive technologies, contraception and a change in social attitudes) means that children …
This shows that there are …
According to Item B, “women also have more control over their fertility through the introduction of free contraception and so are more likely to delay childbirth and as a consequence have fewer children”.
This suggests that patterns of childbearing have a positive impact upon society as the fact that many women are now delaying motherhood until they have progressed in their career (made possible by new reproductive technologies, contraception and a change in social attitudes) means that children are being born into a more stable environment where they have greater financial support and where parents have greater life experience to allow them to parent more effectively.
This shows that there are benefits to the current trends in childbearing
Paragraph 7
Similarly, Item B states that “children have greater rights than ever before” and these rights have been protected by changes in the law.
This shows that…
Children are also protected…
Similarly, Item B states that “children have greater rights than ever before” and these rights have been protected by changes in the law.
This shows that there are clear benefits to current trends in childrearing as children are less vulnerable to the power of adults and they have more equal rights to protection.
Children are also protected by laws that state they cannot work until the age of 16 and so they have a chance to enjoy their childhood and develop emotionally and socially, as well as academically, before being thrust into an adult world
Last paragraph
Based on the evidence,…
Based on the evidence, sociologists would agree to some extent that changing patterns of childbearing/rearing have had a positive impact upon society.
