Social Construction Of Childhood

Question 1

What are the three arguments that childhood is social construction?

Answer 1

Modern, western notion of childhood
Cross cultural differences
Historical differences

Question 2

Ao1 modern Western notion of childhood

Answer 2

Pilcher argues that the most important picture of childhood is separateness in modern society
Children are different adults and seen as physically and psychologically immature
For example through laws regulating what children are allowed, required or forbidden to do so
And that difference from adults is also illustrated through differences in dress, especially for younger children

The idea that childhood is seen as a golden age of happiness and innocence
However, this innocence means that children are seen as vulnerable and in need of protection from the dangers of the adult world.

Question 3

Ao1
Cross cultural differences

Answer 3

The idea that childhood is socially constructed, and can be illustrated by comparing the western notion with childhood in other cultures

Benedict argues that childhood is simpler, and that non-industrial societies are generally treated differently from modern western counterparts
They take responsibility at a younger age
Less value is placed on showing obedience to adult authority
Children’s sexual behaviour often viewed differently

Question 4

Ao1 historical differences

Answer 4

Childhood varies from time to time
After physical dependency during infancy, children were not seen as having a different nature to adults
And that children are mini adults who take adult responsibilities from the age of seven
At this age they will be expected to help out in household activities and learn trade and they could be criminally responsible
An example of this is art from the period, showing that children were seeing the same as adults as they were dressed in the same clothing and worked

Question 5

Ao3 historical differences

Answer 5

Pollock argues that is more correct to say that in the middle ages
Society simply had a different notion of childhood today
Paintings from the residence period distinguish between children and adults

Question 6

Ao1 the modern cult of childhood

Answer 6

Schools began to specialise purely in education for children. This reflected the church prioritisation of children as spiritual creatures of God
By the 17th century, clothing became distinct
By 18th century, handbooks on childbearing were wildly available
By the mid 19th century there have been improvements in sanitation and diet
These developments culminated the modern cult of childhood
That we have moved from a world that didn’t see childhood as anything special to one obsessed with childhood

Question 7

Name Four reasons for changes in positions of childhood

Answer 7

Declining family size and lower infant mortality rates

Compulsory school

Laws and policies

Child protection and welfare registration