The Social Construction of Chilhoood

Question 1

‘childhood is socially constructed’ they mean

Answer 1

that the ideas we have about childhood are created by society, rather than being determined by the biological age of a ‘child’.

Question 2

Some of the aspects of childhood which are influence by society include:

Answer 2

The length of childhood and the moment a child becomes an adult
The status of children in society – their rights and responsibilities, what legal protections/ restrictions we place on them
The general ideas we have about children – for example whether we think they are innocent and in need of protection, or resilient and in need of freedom to explore and develop by themselves as far as possible.

Question 3

What is Childhood?

Answer 3

‘a socially defined period when an individual is viewed as young’ OR ‘a period of time that varies between societies when the individual is not yet treated as an adult’

Question 4

There seems to be near universal agreement that there are some fundamental differences between adults and children. For example people in most societies seem to agree that

Answer 4

1. Children are physically and psychologically immature compared to adults
2. Children are dependent on adults for a range of biological and emotional needs – Children need a lengthy process of socialisation which takes several years.
3. In contrast to adults, children are not competent to run their own lives and cannot be held responsible for their actions

Question 5

social construction

Answer 5

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Question 6

Toxic Childhood

Answer 6

Toxic Childhood is where rapid technological and cultural changes cause psychological and physical damage to children

Question 7

Six ways in which childhood is increasingly toxic

Answer 7

The decline of outdoor play – linked to increased childhood obesity
The commercialisation of childhood – linked to children being exploited by advertisers
The ‘schoolification’ of early childhood – which reduces independence
The decline of listening, language and communication skills – because of shortened attention spans
Screen saturation – reduces face to face interaction
Tests, targets and education – increases anxiety among children.

Question 8

Supporting evidence for the disappearance of childhood

Answer 8

Growth of the Internet/ Social Media means parents and children are becoming more equal
The ‘Learner Voice’ in education – and children being used on interview panels for some new teachers
Children having the same rights as adults (UN’s rights of the child)
‘Kidults’ – adults becoming more like children!