Family&Households: Topic 2- Childhood Flashcards
Childhood as a social construct: Modern western notion of childhood
What does Pilcher argue about the modern western notion of childhood?
Childred need a protected period of nurturing and socialisation before they become an adult
* Pilcher- The modern idea of childhood is seperatness emphasised through laws, the difference between adults and children
Childhood as a social construct: Cross-cultural differences in childhood
What does Benedict argue about the cross-cultural differences in childhood?
He argues that children in non-industrial societies are treated differently in three ways:
* They take responsibility at an early age: Samoan village allowed kids to do all taks, despite dangers
* Less value placed on children showing obedience to adult authority:
* Childrens sexual behaviour view differently: Adults took an attitude of interest towards childrens sexual explorations
Childhood as a social construct: globalisation of western childhood
What has happened to western childhood due to globalisation?
Western notions of childhood are being globalised, these notions have imposed on the world and introduced, a seperate life stage, children are innocent, and have no economic role.
Childhood as a social construct: Historical differences in childhood
What does Aries argue about the historical differences in childhood?
In the middle ages childhood did not exist. Children were put into work early and punished as an adult. Children were seen as ‘mini adults’. Art work from these periods showed children and adults dressed the same, working and playing.
Childhood as a social construct: Historical differences in childhood
How has mordern notions of childhood began to gradually emerge from the middle ages?
- Schools specialised in the education of the young
- There was a distinction between adults and childrens clothing
- Handbooks on childbearing were widely available
Childhood as a social construct
What are some reasons for the change in childrens positions?
- Laws restriciting child labour
- Compulsary school
- Declining family size & lower infant mortality
The future of children
What is Postmans argument for the dissapearance of childhood?
Childhood is ‘disappearing at a dazzling speed’, due to giving children the same rights as adults, unsupervised games, children comitting ‘adult’ crimes. This is due to the rise and fall of print culture and being replaced by television.
The future of children: the disappearance of childood
What does Postman argue about information hierachy?
Adults being able to read while children could not allowed a sharp division. Parents could learn about sex, money, violence, death. Now televisions blurs the distinction between adults and children. Kids can now learn about information like death without being able to read. Removing childrens innocence
The future of children: The disappearance of childhood
How does Opie critices Postmans argument about the dissapearance of childhood?
Childrenn is not dissapearing as there are many childrens games, rhymes and songs.
The future of children: childhood postmodernity
What does Jenks argue about childhood in postmodernity?
He doesnt believe childhood is disappearing but instead is changing. Childhood was seen as a preperation of becoming an adult, vulnerable children need to be protected. Adult relationships are unstable, e.g. divorce is more common. Relationships become more impact for adults identity and stability. Resulting in greater surveillance for children.
The future of children: childhood in postmodernity
What is a criticism of Jenks’ argument of childhood in postmodernity?
- The evidence is comes from small, unrepresentative studies
- Over-generalises, despite greater diversity, he assumes all children are in the same positions
Has position for children improved?: The march of progress view
What does Aries and Shorter argue about the MOP view?
They believe children are more valued, better cared for, protected and educated, than previous generations. E.g. children are protected by laws against child abuse.
Has position for children improved?: MOP view
What is the argument for a child-centred family?
- HIgher living standards and smaller famillies so parents can afford to provide for childrens needs
- By 21st birthday children cost parents over £227000
- The family has become more child-centred, they’re the focal point of the family
Has position for children improved?: MOP view
How does Palmer criticise the MOP view?
- Children are experiencing a toxic childhood
- Technology/cultural changes has damaged children physical, emotional, intellectual development
- Uk youth is above average in obesity, self-harm, drugs, alcohol
Has position for children improved?
What is the conflict views argument whether childrens position has improved?
- There are inequalities between children with different risk & opportunities: gender, race, class
- Inequalities between children/adults-children experience greater control, oppression and dependency
