Childhood Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the 3 childhood themes?
- Is childhood a social construction?
- The future of childhood - is childhood disappearing?
- Has the position of children improved?
IS CHILDHOOD A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION?
What are the universal features of childhood? (5) (developmental milestones)
- Physical development
- Cognitive/intellectual development
- Social/emotional development
Define social construction?
An idea that had been created by society through actions and interpretations.
How is childhood socially construct?
What does Stephen wagg say?
Sociologists suggest childhood is created and shaped by society - it differs according to time, place and culture.
- “Childhood is a social construction - it differs greatly according to time and place. There is no single universal childhood experienced by all.”
3 examples of how childhood is socially constructed?
- Behaviour that is considered appropriate for children.
- Treatment of children (forced to grow up or bubble wrapped?)
- Length of time childhood should last.
Examples of how children across the world may experience childhood differently to the UK? (5)
- Child soldiers
- Sex trafficking
- Poverty
- Arranged marriages
- Child labour
What factors may influence childhood? (5)
- CAGE
- Religion
- Law
- Disability
- Family relationships
How is society now child-centred?
- Law changes and family changes have led to changing positions of children and child-centredness.
What are the reasons for the changes in position of children?
- Law restricting child labour
- Compulsory schooling
- Child protection & welfare
- Children’s rights
- Smaller family size
- Child development theories
- Child policies and laws
Evidence of child-centredness in the state? (5)
- Factory Act
- 1989 children act (care act)
- Universal child benefits (2 children)
- Children rights (healthcare/education/protection)
- Child support act 1991 (parental separation)
Evidence of child centredness in the family? (4)
- Smaller families - devote more time to children.
- Higher wages & living standards - better quality childhood.
- Age restrictions & parental controls
- Child specialists - offer advice for parents.
How has the position of children changed across pre-industrial society, industrial society, and the 21st century?
Pre-industrial = childhood did not exist.
Industrial = golden age of happiness & innocence.
21st century = disappearance of childhood / childhood & adulthood is blurred.
What does Philippe Aries suggest? What methodology does he use?
- He suggested the concept of childhood is a recent invention.
Pre- industrial society = He believes children were ‘mini-adults’ and economic assets. Then attitudes began to change as children become distinct due to laws and developments in childhood.
20th century = the world is obsessed with childhood. Children are seen as vulnerable and in need of protection.
- He used letters/diaries/paintings from the pre-industrial period.
What does Nick Lee say about childhood? ‘Childhood in an age of uncertainty’
He believes we live in an age of uncertainty.
- adulthood is no longer complete or stable, due to social changes.
- adults are becoming more like children and children are becoming ‘beings in the own right’ - adult like.
The two are blurring.
