Sociology Of Childhood Flashcards
What does sociology of childhood suggest about age?
It is socially constructed
Give 3 pieces of evidence that childhood is socially constructed
Cultural differences in experiences of childhood
Historical “”
Differences between experiences and responsibilities
How are children viewed in Western society?
As innocent and physically and psychologically immature
Give 3 pieces of evidence that shows childhood is a privilege in western culture
Protected by more laws
Compulsory education until 18
Treated differently by law if offence is committed
Give 3 pieces of evidence of cultural differences
Punch found that Bolivian children can work from around 5
Child soldiers in Africa,Asia & South America
Sex tourism
Name the researcher/research into historical changes in childhood
Aries found that in paintings, children were barely distinguishable from adults as they were both labouring
Why can we criticise Aries?
Paintings may not accurately reflect reality
Childhood did exist, people just had different notions of it
What did Aries suggest about childhood in medieval times?
It did not exist
When did the ‘cult of childhood’ come about?
By the 20th century
When did working class children begin to work in dangerous factories?
1760 onwards
Which class did the industrial revolution cause a rise in?
Middle - children didn’t have to work
What happened as a result of middle class children not working?
Concerns were filtered down to w/c children which put pressure on the government to pass safety laws
Give 2 examples of laws passed by the government following the industrial revolution
1888 compulsory schooling
1889 prevention of cruelty to children act
Describe the March of Progress view of childhood
Gradually improved for all children, activities and outings are centred on children’s interests
Give 3 reasons why childhood had improved over the last 100 years
Paediatrics
Age restrictions
Lower mortality rates- greater investment by parents into children
