THE NATURE OF CHILDHOOD + CHANGES IN THE STATUS OF CHILDREN Flashcards
what does the idea that childhood is socially constructed mean?
shaped by societal norms.
what did Aries claim that children were seen as in the Middle Ages?
mini-adults.
before the Industrial Revolution children were seen as …?
an economic asset.
why were children seen as an economic asset at the time of the industrial revolution?
because they worked for the family or brought in an income.
how did education becoming longer lengthen the years of childhood?
with children at school and being unable to work, it made them financially dependent on their parents.
why did the family become smaller as the infant mortality rate dropped?
because ppl were having fewer children because more children were surviving.
what does Palmer argue is happening to childhood?
it is being negatively affected by modern technology.
give 2 other things childhood is being negatively affected by?
- fast food.
- commercialisation.
what is Palmers concern?
screen time and social media is harming children’s development and relationships with family.
what does Postman argue?
the boundary between adulthood and childhood is disappearing.
1 reason why the boundary is being blurred?
- mass media.
how does the media blur the boundary?
promoting sexualised things to children making it seem normal.
evaluation of Postmans’ ideas?
many argue that children are just media-savvy and can still enjoy childhood.
where and what did Punch study?
looks at children in Bolivia and found that they are expected to take on responsibilities form a young age.
march of progress view on childhood?
suggests that children in contemporary society are more protected, valued and educated compared to previously.
evidence supporting the march of progress view on childhood?
laws protecting children’s rights and compulsory education.
conflict view of childhood?
marxists and feminists argue that children remain exploited and controlled + childhood is negative.
what does feminist Gittens call children being controlled by adults?
age patriarchy.
evidence of age patriarchy?
estimated that 1 in 20 children experience sexual abuse.
how many child SA cases are from people they already know (family/friends)?
90%
feminist view of childhood?
girls often face much stricter controls than boys - patriarchal power.
marxist view of childhood?
children from poorer families have fewer opportunities and maybe poorer health.
what has been reduced and made illegal over the years?
child labour.
what does research show for asian family childhood?
stricter parenting styles with more emphasis on education.
