Families Topic4- Childhood Flashcards
Unicef definition of childhood summarised
Time for children to be in school and at play, to grow strong and confident with the love and encouragement of their family and extended community of caring adults
- precious time in which children should live free from fear, safe from violence and protected from abuse and exploitation
- childhood means more than just the space between birth and attainment of adulthood
What is a social construct
Something created and defined by society.
How can childhood be seen as a social construct
Sociologists believe childhood is a socially constructed term and idea, which is why it differs historically and culturally
-they believe that childhood is a life stage created purely by society
Wagg (‘92) quote of childhood being a social construct
“Childhood is socially constructed. It is, what members of particular societies, as particular times and in particular places say it is.
There is no single universal childhood experience by all.
So, childhood isn’t “natural” and should be distinguished from mere biological immaturity”
Jane Pilcher (‘95) view on childhood (western societies)
Pilcher notes, the most important modern feature of childhood is separateness- childhood is seen as a clear and distinct life stage
How is childhood viewed in western societies
Childhood considered physically and psychologically immature and not yet competent to run their own lives, and therefore need a lengthy period of nurturing and socialisation
-seen as the “golden age” - children represent happiness and innocence, and children are seen as vulnerable and require protection
In which society is childhood seen as the golden age
In western societies childhood is seen as the golden age
Ruth Benedict (‘34) on how children are treated differently in different societies
Ruth argues that children in simpler non industrial societies are generally treated differently from their western counter parts in 3 ways
:they take responsibility at an early age
Less value is placed on the children showing obedience to authority
There is less of a distinguishing “line” between kids and adults
Ruth Benedict 3 ways how childhood differs in non industrial societies to western
In non industrial societies children :
take responsibility at an early age
Less value is placed on the children showing obedience to authority
There is less of a distinguishing “line” between kids and adults
The IK of Uganda construct on childhood
They suffer famine (lack of food and resources etc)
View kids as a drain on resources
They think they should be made to fend for themselves asap; can be from as early as the age of 3
Holmes study on childhood (‘74)
Study of a Somoan village found that “too young” was never an excuse for a kid not doing something
Punch(2001) study on childhood
Study of children in rural Bolivia found that once children were about 5 years old, there are expected to take on work responsibilities in the home and community
Philip Aries (‘62) findings on childhood in pre industrial societies
Children did not exist, children were “little adults” past infancy who took part in the same activities as adults
- children were an economic asset, expected to help earn family income
- emotional investment in children was very low, due to the high infant mortality rates
- children were NOT considered innocent, nor protected from exposure to sexual activity
How was childhood view in industrial society
When childhood began to change -church leaders and religion began to see children as vulnerable individuals who needed protecting. Schools began to be introduced, but were NOT available for all - for working class families children were still found working, particularly in factories and mines. Those children were not given the same opportunities as middle class Therefore Aries argues that the perspective of childhood began to change in this period of time for the middle class
Working class children in the industrial society compared to middle/upper
for working class families children were still found working, particularly in factories and mines. Those children were not given the same opportunities as middle class Therefore Aries argues that the perspective of childhood began to change in this period of time for the middle class
How is childhood seen in the current day
“Golden age of childhood”
Children are restricted from working, are protected by child laws and have an innocence and a need to be protected from the dangerous world — this is typically called the western notion of childhood
Jane Pilcher (‘95) most important aspect of childhood in the Morden era
Jane Pilcher notes the most important modern area of childhood is separateness- childhood is seen as a clear and distinct stage of life
5 reasons why changes to childhood happened
- Laws were introduced restricting child labour and excluding them from paid work
- Introduction of compulsory schooling in 1880
- In 1889, the cruelty to children act was introduced
- Declining family size and lower infant mortality rates meant parents made greater financial and emotional investment into their children
- Childrens health and development became public knowledge through research
What year was the cruelty to children act introduced
In 1889, the cruelty to children act was introduced
