Theories of childhood Flashcards
1
Q
Social construction and social construction arguments
A
- Childhood is not a biological life stage, instead it is a constructed experience
1. Our understanding of what childhood is has changed over time
2. There are global differences in experiences/perceptions of childhood
2
Q
Social construct 1. : Understanding of what childhood is has changed over time
A
- In the past children were seen as mini adults eg dressed the same and had the same responsibilities.
Until the mid 1800s they were considered an economic burden - In the past people were less likely to be emotionally attached to their children due to the IMR being high and parents had lots of children
- As social attitudes changed, differences were acknowledged eg physical, psychological and emotionally
- Child labour etc was abolished
3
Q
Social construct 2. : Global differences in experiences/perceptions of childhood
A
- Kids in the UK are protected from the world of work however kids in Bolivia work from as young as 5
- In some cultures, it is not necessary for kids to show respect to those who are older
- Different attitudes towards sexuality in childhood eg Trobriand it is considered as acceptable but in the UK it is forbidden
4
Q
Theories of the changing nature of childhood
A
- March of progress
- The disappearance of childhood
- Postmodern view
- Toxic childhood
5
Q
March of progress
A
- Aries
- Social status of children in the West has improved eg the modern cult of childhood has emerged
- As EU nations industrialised, products became aimed at children eg clothes
- The focus of education has shifted eg teaching of children is priorities
- Adults are more interested in child rearing techniques
- Britain has become child centred and have become an economic burden
- Position of children has changed for the better
6
Q
Evaluation for March of progress
A
- Fails to acknowledge that some children live in poverty or are abused
- It can be argued that child centredness has resulted in kids becoming spoilt
7
Q
Disappearance of childhood
A
- Concerned that children are developing adult tendencies too quickly
- Postman : Invention of TV is the main reason for disappearance of childhood
Exposed kids to the adult world too quickly so they grow up too quickly
This has lead to a decline in the information hierarchy (children couldn’t access higher levels of information) which shielded them from graphic content
Now TV is easily accessible and 24/7 so it is hard to shield children from seeing bad stories which cause children to think and worry like adults - Pugh : Children are increasingly exposed to media content and ads which they then apply pester power to their parents and parents are increasingly giving in
Parents are cash rich but time poor so make up for it using consumption for compensation
Indicates a shift in power and the disappearance of childhood
8
Q
Evaluation of the disappearance of childhood
A
- Compared to children in the past, children don’t grow up too quickly in fact they are more protected and kept younger for longer
- Pugh ignores many families cannot splash out on consumerism
9
Q
Post modern view
A
- Reject the idea that childhood is disappearing
- Jenks :
In a modern world there is growing awareness of risks (risk consciousness) and threats to safety
Due to the growth of the media, parents are more exposed to potential risks eg stranger danger
Parents are reluctant to let kids walk to school by themselves and insist on phones
Parent-child relationships are so much more intense due to adult relationships being less stable so for many parents they believe only the relationship with their child will last
Parents safeguard and leave their children dependent on them for longer
10
Q
Evaluation of post modern view
A
- New risks eg online grooming
- Not all children are protected by their parents eg child abuse
11
Q
Toxic childhood
A
- Palmer (negative changes)
- Childhood is toxic and damaging now for 4 reasons
1. Food consumption and diet
(Increase in junk food, 1/3 of British children are obese and children are concerned about body image now)
2. Significance of media
(Children are pressured to look a certain way which declines mental health)
3. Shift in education away from learning towards exams
(Children are under immense stress)
4. Changes to the family
(Dual career parents are busy so their kids receive less love and attention) - All these factors have a derogatory impact on the behaviours of children so may turn to drugs and alcohol
12
Q
Evaluation of Toxic Childhood
A
- Most children are healthy and most children have a happy childhood
- No evidence children today are behaving worse in fact alcohol consumption has declined
- More mental health issues means more kids are speaking out so this is good
13
Q
Conflict views of childhood
A
Marxists and feminists disagree and believe for many children, there experiences are not always positive
Power imbalance seems to be orchestrated by men eg age patriarchy
Children react to oppression in different ways eg acting up or acting down
- Inequalities between children exist
- Inequalities between children and adults
14
Q
Inequalities between children
A
- Where in the world they live eg economic asset vs economic burden
- Social class background eg WC children tend to do worse than MC at GCSEs
- Ethnic/religious background eg girls are given less freedoms and Asian children are under stricter controls
- Gender eg girls are subject to bedroom culture and boy can be more outgoing
15
Q
Inequalities exist between children and adults
A
- Neglect and abuse eg 52,000 children in Britain are under protection plans
- Control over children’s space eg businesses deny children entry and parents are less likely to let children have their own space
- Control over time eg decide when children go to bed
- control over bodies eg parents scold for bodily activities like nose picking and relatives just assume they are entitled to kiss and hug children without permission
- Control over resources eg some give pocket money and others restrict access to part time work
