The Modern Western Notion of childhood Flashcards
1
Q
How is childhood viewed in our society today?
A
- childhood is a special time of life
- children are different from adults
- children are physically and psychologically immature and cannot run their own lives
- children lack the skills, knowledge and experience which means they need a long period of nurturing and socialisation before they are ready for adulthood
2
Q
Jane Pilcher notes
A
- the most Important feature of childhood is separateness
- childhood is seen as a clear and distinct life stage
- children in our society occupy a separate status from adults
3
Q
How is separateness for children highlighted?
A
- through laws regulating what children are allowed
- through dress code
- through entertainment and toys
4
Q
How is the idea of childhood seen as?
A
the golden age of happiness and innocence
5
Q
What does the ‘golden age’ mean for children?
A
children are seen as vulnerable and in need of protection from the dangers of the adult world and so they must be kept ‘quarantined’
6
Q
What is the result of the notion of the golden age?
A
- children lives are kept in the sphere of education and family
- children lead lives of leisure and play and are largely excluded from paid work
7
Q
What does Stephen Wagg note?
A
Childhood is socially constructed
