4. childhood (f&h) Flashcards
what are some views on childhood from around the world?
-western world= grown to accept that children differ from adults. theyre vulnerable meaning adults must look after them
-britain=childhood argued as privileged time as they have protective laws
-special arrangements for children through institutions that provide unique experiences
-children seen as biologically immature compared to adults
what are some historical changes in childhood?
-16th & 17th century: childhood in medieval times didnt exist. out of infancy age into work
-18th & 19th century: children commonly completing labour in factories. expected work work like adults
-19th century: fathers head of household & had little to do with children
what did Aries say about social construction?
-construction of childhood only began during industrialisation
-restrictions placed upon child labour, viewed as innocent + needing protection
-parents unable to communicate + educate children as much as in the past
-‘phase of childhood’ created meaning children lack power, dependent on parents
what are some criticisms of Aries?
-criticised for assuming there was no childhood within medieval times, instead the understanding of childhood was different
-based his conclusions on a small sample of untypical french aristocratic families
what do we know about children in the same society?
-inequalities around class, gender so not all children treated the same
-100,000 children in UK fell into relative poverty in 2016-17
-around 4.2 million children living in poverty in 2021/22
-2.9 million white children in poverty
what does Margo Et Al say about poverty?
-richer families are able to purchase and provide services that can enrich a childs life
-some children are forced to take on jobs as soon as possible to try help the family or gain access to these facilities
what is the march of progress view on the changing status of children?
-over past few centuries, position of children in western societies has been steadily improving and is better today than it has ever been
-de mouse= history of childhood is a nightmare from which we have only recently begun to awaken. further back in history, lower level of childcare
how has childhood improved?
-legal improvements
*work restrictions
*compulsory education
-rights of the child
*laws to protect their rights
*human rights act 1998
-protections and welfare services
*laws to protect from neglect & abuse
-move to child centred families
*family activities focused on child
*families more child centred
