Social Construction Of Childhood

Question 1

Modest western notion of childhood

Answer 1

•Pilcher’s Argument: Childhood is characterized by ‘separateness’ in modern society.
•Childhood is seen as a separate phase from adulthood.
•Children are perceived as physically and psychologically immature compared to adults.
•Laws: Regulate children’s activities and rights.
-Dress and Products: Special clothing, toys, food, and play areas designed for children.
•Childhood as a ‘Golden Age’:
•Viewed as a time of happiness and innocence.
•This innocence leads to children being seen as vulnerable and needing protection from adult dangers.
•Children are kept within the family and education systems.
•Adults are responsible for providing and protecting children from the external world.

Question 2

Cross cultural diff

Answer 2

1.Social Construction:
•Childhood varies across cultures; it’s not a universal experience.
2.Benedict (1934):
•Non-industrial societies have different approaches to childhood.
3.Key Differences:
•Early Responsibility: Punch (2001) - In rural Bolivia, children take on work at age five.
•Obedience: Firth (1970) - Tikopia children aren’t required to obey adults.
•Sexual Behavior: Viewed differently in various cultures.
4.Conclusion:
•Less division between adults and children in non-Western cultures.

Question 3

Historical diff

Answer 3

1.Childhood Over Time:
•The modern Western notion of childhood is a recent development.
2.Philippe Ariès (1960):
•In the Middle Ages, children were viewed as “mini-adults.”
•Art from this period shows children dressed and behaving like adults.
3.Shorter (1975):
•Children weren’t seen as vulnerable; high mortality led to neglect and indifference.

Question 4

Historical diff AO3

Answer 4

Pollock: argues that it is more correct to say that in the Middle Ages society simply had a different notion of childhood to today

Question 5

Modern cult of childhood Aries

Answer 5

The modern notion of childhood began around the 13th century.
-Education=Schools specialized in educating children, reflecting the church’s view of them as fragile ‘creatures of God’.
-Clothing=By the 17th century, distinct clothing for children indicated age-specific roles.
-Child-Centeredness=The 18th century saw a rise in child-rearing handbooks, reflecting growing middle-class focus on children.
-Infant Mortality & Middle-Class Views=Decreased IMR in the 19th century led to middle-class parents viewing children as objects of love and devotion.
-Modern Cult of Childhood=Society became increasingly obsessed with childhood, a shift highlighted in the 20th century, termed ‘the century of the child’ by Aries.
-Social Construction=Aries’ work shows how the concept and status of childhood have evolved, supporting the idea that childhood is a social construct.

Question 6

Reasons for changes in the position of childhood

Answer 6

1.Laws restricting child labour
2.compulsory schooling
3.child protection and welfare legislation
4.growth of the idea of children’s rights
5.laws and policies

Question 7

Is the western idea of childhood becoming universal thanks to globalisation?
IS

Answer 7

The Western concept of childhood is spreading globally.
-Agents of Spread=International humanitarian and welfare agencies, like UNICEF, are key in this process.
-Western View=Concerns about child labor or street children in developing countries reflect Western ideals of childhood.
-Local Context=In some countries, these activities may actually be crucial for preparing children for adulthood.
-Outcome=Rather than disappearing, the Western concept of childhood is being globalised.

Question 8

Western idea of childhood becoming universal thank to globalisation AO3

Answer 8

Toxic Childhood: Modern changes harm children’s development (Palmer).
•Behavioral Issues: Rising obesity, self-harm, and substance abuse in UK.
•UNICEF 2007: UK ranked 21st out of 25 in child wellbeing.