Topic 5 - describe family relationships and children Flashcards
Introduction?
Childhood experiences vary significantly based on gender, ethnicity, and social class. Relying on selective and often inaccurate memories complicates generalizations. The concept of childhood is a relatively recent social construct, primarily seen in Western societies where children are valued and protected. Concerns are rising that current childhood experiences may be diminishing or detrimental to both children and society.
Childhood?
In the 1950s, Talcott Parsons viewed children primarily as individuals needing socialization into adulthood. At that time, childhood was not widely studied as a distinct sociological issue, reflecting societal attitudes. Many sociologists argued that the perception of childhood as a special phase emerged only in the last 150 years, especially in the West, while in developing countries, children often worked to support their families. Interest in childhood as a sociological topic grew in the 1980s, alongside increased awareness of issues like child sexual abuse, which feminists began to address in 1988. This period also saw a heightened governmental focus on children’s welfare, culminating in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the subsequent UK Children Act, which mandated protection of children’s welfare.
The social construction of childhood?
James and Prout (1997) highlight the socially constructed nature of childhood, asserting that while children are biologically immature, they actively shape their experiences. Mayall (1994, 2002) emphasizes children’s roles in families, while Hey (1997) examines girls’ complex social dynamics, and Frosh (2002) explores boys’ struggles with masculinity. Pitcher (1995) argues that modern childhood is seen as special and child-centered, with parents investing more time and resources in fewer children.
Neil Postman (1994) suggests childhood is disappearing, as children gain rights and access to the adult world through media. Sue Palmer (2006) calls modern childhood “toxic,” linking it to working parents, technology, and health issues like obesity and substance abuse. Fruredi (2008) argues parenting has become complex, influenced by class and gender dynamics. However, the decline of childhood is not straightforward, as many adult children increasingly rely on parental support.
