The March of Progress view of Childhood

Question 1

Who adheres to the march of progress view?

Answer 1

Functionalists

Question 2

What does the march of progress view argue?

Answer 2

• that the position of children in western societies has been steadily improving over the last few centuries and today it is better than it has ever been

Question 3

Give some examples of things today which would demonstrate Aries and Shorter’s view that children are better cared for, protected and educated

Answer 3

• protected from harm and exploitation by laws
• specialists cater for their educational
• emotional
• psychological and medical needs
• better health and medical care means children have a much better chance of survival

Question 4

What do march of progress theorists argue about the family?

Answer 4

• the family has become much more child centred

Question 5

How has the family become more child centred?

Answer 5

• children are no longer ‘seen and not heard,’ instead they are the focal point of the family, they get consulted on decisions as never before

Question 6

What do parents invest in their children?

Answer 6

• parents invest a great deal in their children emotional and financially and often have high aspirations

Question 7

What do march of progress theorists argue about what society has become?

Answer 7

More child-centred

Question 8

Give an example of a couple of things that can have a negative effect on children and so provide evidence against the march of progress view

Answer 8

Divorce, neglect, abuse

Question 9

What do not all children receive?

Answer 9

A high/good standard of education by specialists

Question 10

What are some impacts on childhood that living in a poorer family may have?

Answer 10

• they may not be able to cater to their needs

- they may not be able to provide opportunities for them such as university

Question 11

Instead of living in a child centred society, what would some argue that we live in?

Answer 11

A work-orientated society