Family&Households: Topic 2- Childhood Flashcards
Childhood as a social construct
What does Pilcher argue about the modern western notion of childhood?
Childred need a proteced period of nurtuting and socialisation before they become an adult
* Pilcher- The modern idea of childhood is seperatness emphasised through laws
Childhood as a social construct
What are the 3 ways childhood differs to westen childhood? What does Benedict argue about how childhood differs across cultures?
- Take responsibity at an early age
- Less value placed on child showing obedience
- Childrens sexual behaviour may be viewed differently
- Benedict argues that in many non-industrial cultueres theres less of a divide of the behaviour of children and adults
Childhood as a social construct
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. Childhood began merging when:
* Schools became specialised in educating the young
* Distinction between adult and child clothing
* Books on raising children
Childhood as a social construct
What are some reasons for the change in chldrens 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 dissappearing at a dazzling speed dues to rist and fall of print culture replaced by tv culture
- Childhood emerged due to information hierachy
- TV takes away the innocence for children
The future of children
How does Opie critices Postmans argument about the dissapearance of childhood?
- Childhood isnt dissapearing
- Theres rhymes, songs, evidence for seperate child culture
- Postman overemphasises
The future of children
What does Jenks argue about childhood in postmodernity?
- He believes chidhood is changing
- Modern society is concerned for future of children as vulnerable children needed to be protected
- Parents overprotective over children
The future of children
What is a criticism of Jenks’ argument of childhood in PM?
- Some parent see their relationshp with children very important
- Over-generalises
Has position for children improved?- MOP
How has the postition of childhood improved?
The factors
- MOP view
- The child centred family
- Toxic childhood- AO3
Has position for children improved?
What does Aries and Shorter argue about the MOP view?
- Childhood has improved steadily
- A & S argue children are more valued, better cared for, protected, educated
- E.g. Infant mortality rate is 4 per 1000
Has position for children improved?
What is the argument for a child centred family?
- HIgher living standards/ smaller famillies so parents can afford children
- By 21st birthday children cost parents over £227000
Has position for children improved?
What Palmer argue about toxic childhood?
- Children are experiencing a toxic childhood
- Technology/cultural changes has damaged children physical, emotional, intellectual development
- Uk youth is above average in obesity, self-farm, drugs, alcohol
Has position for children improved?
What is the conflict view? Disagree with MOP.
- There are inequalities between children with different risk & opportunities: gender, race, class
- Inequalities between children/adults-children experience greater control, oppression and dependency
Has position for children improved?- Conflict view
What does Hillman argue about inequalities among children?
Children have inequalities due to race, class, gender
* Boys are more likely to cross/cycle on roads, use buses, go out when its dark
* Children for unskilled manual workers are 3x more liekly to suffer from hyperactivity
Has position for children improved?- Conflict view
What is the argument about the inequalities between children and adults?
Adults use their power to benefit and protect children. E.g. Laws
