The Conflict View of Childhood Flashcards
Who are conflict sociologists?
Marxists and feminists
Which theory do conflict sociologists disagree with?
The March of Progress thesis
What 4 inequalities exist between children according to conflict sociologists?
- where they live in the world
- social class background
- ethnic or religion
- gender
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between children from where children live in the world…
Children do not share a universal experience of childhood. In some parts of the world (Bolivia) children go to work from as early as 5, children continue to be seen as an economic asset
Children are also expected to fight wars and be trafficked into prostitution
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between children and social background…
Children born into different socio-economic groups can have different experiences. Children from low income families are more likely to suffer from behavioural and mental disorders such as ADHD. Working class pupils also tend to do worse at GCSE
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between children and their ethnicity and religion…
Bhatti (1999) found that Asian children are often subjected to much stricter parental controls compared to white and black children. This is down to cultural reasons. Such people place importance on respecting elders within the family and showing honour towards your family.
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between children and their gender…
Studies show girls and boys are treated differently. Gender-role socialisation processes encourage boys to be more independent and outgoing, compared to girls being emotional and have an interest in domestic labour. Boys get more freedom than girls, with girls being encouraged to socialise indoors under supervision
What is bedroom culture?
The idea that girls have to socialise under the supervision of their parents.
What 5 inequalities exist between children and adults?
- neglect and abuse
- control over space
- control over time
- control over bodies
- control over resources
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between adults and children in terms of neglect and abuse…
Neglect refers to a situation whereby parents are not ensuring the needs of their children are being met. Abuse refers to parents harming their children: emotionally, physically or sexually. In 2109, 52,000 children in Britain were being watched by social services because of this issue
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between adults and children in terms of control over their child’s space…
Adults have the power to dictate where children can and can’t go. Many business owners will deny children entry to venues such as pubs and restaurants. Children are more likely to be asked to leave public spaces. Parents are less likely to allow children to enjoy their own space such as walking to school ect
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between adults and children in terms of control over their child’s time…
Parents control time in two ways:
- dictate their daily timetable, when they sleep and when they’re allowed out
- dictate at what age children are allowed to have sleepovers or walk to school alone
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between adults and children in terms of control over their child’s bodies…
Adults make assumptions about what they are allowed to do in their child’s personal space. Relatives assume they are allowed to hit and kiss a child without asking for permission.
Parents also dictate what their child wears.
Explain the conflict view of inequality existing between adults and children in terms of control over their child’s resources…
Parents control their child’s access to money. Pocket money or not… Some parents won’ make the child work for the money, some will. Parents also control whether or not an older child can access part time work
Evaluation of the conflict theory of childhood…
- we shouldn’t assume all the differences in childhood are negative
- The Disappearance of Childhood thesis believe children are growing up to quickly as they have too much power, not the opposite
- not a bad thing adults have control, they do so to keep their children safe
