Has the position of children improved? Flashcards
What did March of progress view sociologists claim?
That the position of children in Western societies has been steadily improving over time
That today’s children are more valued, better cared for, protected and educated than ever before
Legislation, the role of specialists (paediatricians and professional teachers), increased government spending
Cost of raising a child
Child-centred family
Child-centred society
What do conflict view sociologists claim?
Society based on conflict; between classes, social groups and genders
Some groups are empowered, others are underpowered
Powerful groups dominate powerless groups
March of progress view is idealised, false and ignores inequalities
What are the inequalities betwee children
Not all children have the same life experiences or opportunities
Nationality: Where you are born will affect your life experience.
Gender: little boys and girls socialised differently.
Ethnicity: little girls from Asian families are expected to obey their parents and be submissive. Little boys expected to study hard and excel at school.
Class: working class children vs. middle class children
What did Firestone say?
child labour laws actually segregate children, keep them dependent, keep them subject to adult control
How are childrens movement limited
no schoolchildren signs in newsagents,
the use of CCTV in public spaces, dispersal, curfew.
Road safety and stranger danger.
Children now ‘shepherded’ to and from school. Children’s liberty curtailed.
How do adults control childrens bodies
Sit, run, walk, hair style, ear piercing, tattoos.
Monopoly on touching, washing, eating, dressing.
Heads patted, hair stroked, hands held, picked up, cuddled kissed.
Physical discipline.
Nose picking, thumb sucking, nail biting, masturbation, sexual relations.
How doe adults control childrens time
Adults control children’s daily routines.
Adults control children’s speed of growing up.
How do adlts control access to resources
Limited ability to earn money, dependant on adults.
Labour laws and compulsory schooling.
Child benefit goes to the mother.
EMA cut in favour of reduced LSF.
Pocket money controlled, restrictions on what it can be spent on.
Describe the new sociology of children
ADultist perspective according to Mayal were we see children as passive “socialisation projects”
Sees to see children as active agents in their own lives rather than adults in waiting
Describe the childs point of view
Smart - Sociologists need to consider the view and experiences of children
Mason and Tipper - children define family differenlt they didn’t conform to adult ideas
Smart et al - children weren’t passive during divorce situations, tried to help
Describe the age patriarchy (Gittins)
Diana Gittins - inequalitites between adults and children, adult domination and child dependency, patriarchy oppresses children
Describe the age patriarchy (Humpreys and Thiara)
1/4 of 200 studied women left abusive partners as they fear for their kids
Describe the age patriarchy Hockey and James
Acting up and acting dow
Evaluation of age patriarchy
Adult control is justified as children cannot make rational decisions
Although kids are supervied theyre not as powerful
1989 - UN convention on rights of the child - protective laws
