P2 Families and Households - Future and Changing Positions of Childhood

Question 1

What are the reasons for the development of modern childhood?

Answer 1

1. Laws that apply specifically to children i.e age of consent is 16
2. Child protection acts
3. Industrialisation - society now need an educated workforce
4. Laws restricting child labour
5. Introduction of compulsory education
6. Development of economic market directed at childhood

Question 2

How has state policies affected childhood?

Answer 2

The change in social attitudes has been reflected through state policy:
- Compulsory education
- Social services + social workers
- Economic benefits
- Child Acts –> “Every Child Matters”

Question 3

What is the future of childhood?

Answer 3

Some sociologists argue that the distinction between adulthood and childhood is narrowing

Question 4

What does Neil Postman argue about the future of childhood?

Answer 4

He argues that childhood is “disappearing at a dazzling speed”:
- Clothing and activities
- Adult crimes
- Mass literacy: printed words cretaed a division between those who could read (adults) and those who couldn’t (children)

Question 5

What does Postman argue about TV?

Answer 5

He argues that television and the internet blur this separation:
- Children are now able to access the adult world

But he has been criticised for over emphasising television whilst ignoring other factors like changes in law

Question 6

What does Opie argue?

Answer 6

Opie argues that evidence of a continued existence of separate children’s culture over many years

Question 7

What does Jenks argue about childhood in postmodernity?

Answer 7

Jenks believes that childhood is changing as society moves from modernity to post modernity:
- Unstable adult relationships in postmodern society generates feelings of insecurity
- Relationships with children contribute to adult stability and identity, constant variable
- But this increases parental control of children through fear for their safety

Jenks disagrees with Postman - the legal difference between adults and children keep them separate

Question 8

What is the march of progress view?

Answer 8

Over the past few centuries the position of children in western societies has been steadily improving

Question 9

How has the position of children improved?

Answer 9

1. Education professionals
   - It allows children to expand their knowledge and prepare them for their future better
   - Gives them an idea of potential future jobs
2. Health care professionals
   - Helps children sustain their physical and ,mental health good
3. Higher living standards
   - Helps improve children’s hygiene
   - Gives them independence and personal space
   - Improves protection
4. The child centred family
   - Emotional love

Question 10

What does Sue Palmer argue about toxic childhood?

Answer 10

She argues that rapid technological and cultural changes in the past 25 years have damaged children’s physical, emotional and intellectual development