the future of childhood

Question 1

what are the two thesis’ of the future of childhood

Answer 1

-disappearing childhood thesis
-toxic childhood thesis

Question 2

what is the disappearing childhood thesis?

Answer 2

-postman
-gap between childhood and adulthood is disappearing
-children are getting the same rights as adults (Eg similar clothing, committing adult crimes)
-childhood emerged with mass literacy as adults can read and children can’t, which is now less of an issue

Question 3

evaluate the disappearing childhood thesis

Answer 3

+more children used on panels to interview teachers
-more complex
-children are more protected than adults

Question 4

what is the toxic childhood thesis?

Answer 4

-palmer
-toxic mix of technological and cultural changes is negatively impacting children
-6 ways this happens

Question 5

what are the 6 features of the toxic childhood thesis?

Answer 5

-decline of outdoor play (linked to increased childhood poverty)
-commercialisation of children (exploited by advertisers)
-‘schoolification’ of early childhood so they’re less independent
-decline in listening, language and communication skills, = reduced attention spans
-screen saturation (less face to face)
-tests, targets and education lead to increased anxiety

Question 6

evaluate toxic childhood thesis

Answer 6

+uk youth are near the top of international tables for obesity and self-harm
-assumes children are delicate and need protecting

Question 7

what is universal childhood?

Answer 7

-western notion of childhood is spreading
-campaigns for universal education
-charities focus on helping street children and preventing child labour
-globalised tv and media

Question 8

what is the new sociology of childhood?

Answer 8

-favoured by child liberationists
-mayall - children treated as socialisation projects, focus of childhood from child’s perspective
-children are active agents in creating their own childhood
-unstructured interviews