Families and Households - Childhood Flashcards
How do sociologists view childhood?
As a social construct defined and created by society
This perspective emphasizes that childhood is not a universal experience but varies across different cultures and historical contexts.
What are the three ways childhood varies according to sociologists?
- Between societies (cross-cultural differences)
- Within societies (between class)
- Historically (over time)
These variations highlight how childhood experiences differ significantly based on cultural, social, and temporal factors.
What did Benedict (1934) observe about children in simpler, non-industrial societies?
- More responsibility at home and work
- Less value placed on obedience to adult authority
- Different views on children’s sexual behavior
- Blurred behavior differences between adults and children
This contrasts sharply with the experiences of children in industrialized societies.
What features characterize the modern Western notion of childhood?
- Seen as special (innocent time of life)
- Viewed as fundamentally different from adults
- Needs a lengthy protected period of nurturing and socialization
This perspective emphasizes the separation between childhood and adulthood.
According to Pilcher (1995), what is the key feature of modern childhood?
Separateness
This idea suggests that childhood is viewed as a distinct phase of life with unique characteristics.
What does Cunningham (2007) say about children in relation to adults?
Children are seen as the opposite of adults with the right to happiness
This highlights the perceived innocence and entitlement of children in Western societies.
What did Ariès (1960) claim about the idea of childhood in medieval Europe?
It didn’t exist; children were seen as ‘mini-adults’
Children had the same rights, duties, and skills as adults during this time.
What major social changes contributed to the emergence of modern childhood?
- Lower infant mortality rates
- Smaller families
- Specialist knowledge about children’s health
- Laws banning child labor
- Compulsory schooling
- Child protection and welfare laws
- The idea of children’s rights
These factors collectively shifted perceptions and treatment of children in society.
What does Postman (1994) argue about the future of childhood?
Childhood as we know it is disappearing
He believes children are becoming more like adults due to cultural shifts.
What is the impact of television culture on childhood, according to Postman?
It breaks down the boundary between adulthood and childhood
This results in children accessing adult knowledge and experiences more readily.
What does Opie (1993) argue regarding childhood?
Childhood is not disappearing; a separate children’s culture continues to exist
This culture includes games, songs, and jokes that are distinct to childhood.
What does Jenks (2005) suggest about childhood in postmodernity?
Childhood is created to prepare the individual to become a productive adult
In postmodern societies, adult relationships become more unstable, leading to increased regulation of children’s lives.
What is the ‘March of Progress’ view regarding children’s position?
Children’s position has been steadily improving
Proponents argue that family and society have become more child-centered.
What does Palmer (2006) mean by ‘Toxic Childhood’?
Technological and cultural changes are damaging children’s development
Issues like junk food, excessive screen time, and parental work hours contribute to this toxicity.
What do conflict theorists argue about the ‘march of progress’ view?
It is an over-generalized and idealized image that ignores inequalities
They highlight disparities among children based on gender, ethnicity, and class.
