Families And Households (childhood)

Question 1

Is childhood a social construct?

Answer 1

Sociologists believe yes as there is evidence that there is historical changes and differences in society

Question 2

How is childhood different historically?

Answer 2

ARIES argues that in the medieval times, children didn’t exist and they were viewed as ‘little adults’ and helped the family economically

Question 3

What did ARIES say about legal changes impacting childhood?

Answer 3

Argues that social construction of childhood is linked to industrialisation. This is because work moved from the family to factories. There is also compulsory education (1880) and legalisation restricting child labour.

Question 4

How does class, ethnic and gender show differences in children?

Answer 4

Class - 1/4 of children in the UK live in poverty - poor children suffer from more ill health and underachieve
Ethnic - different ethnic groups may have different expectations on children
Gender - girls often have more restricted and controlled childhood than boys

Question 5

Reasons for increase in child-centred families:

Answer 5

Smaller families - parents have more time, care and attention to each child
Shorter working hours - parents can spend more time with children

Question 6

How has society become more child - centred?

Answer 6

They are protected by laws which prevent exploitation at work and abuse from parents
Children get cheaper travel on public transport and there are children’s menus in restaurants
Children have rights so parents care for their children properly
There are higher living standards so parents can spend more money on their children

Question 7

Continued:

Answer 7

The welfare state provides different benefits, eg child benefit
Education- compulsory education, means children are better educated, there is further education which means an extended childhood and children becoming dependent for longer
More supervision from parents, aware of stranger danger and children are now closely supervised