Childhood As A Social Construct Flashcards
What do sociologist believe about the position of children?
It’s not fixed
But differs between different times, places and cultures
Why do sociologist believe childhood is a special time?
Because children are fundamentally different to adults
If children are regarded as physically and psychologically immature then ………
Then they needed a lengthy protected period of nurturing before they enter the adult world
What was Jane pilcher’s most important feature?
Separateness - a clear distinction between adults and children
How is the idea of separateness reinforced?
Laws what children are allowed or forbidden to do.
The difference in dress.
Products and services eg food, book
Entertainment
Apart from separateness what else is apart of children’s statutes?
The golden age of happiness and innocence
What do adults do to protect their children?
They keep them quarantined and separate from the adult world.
In the sphere of eduction and family
What does Stephen Wagg think about childhood?
There is no universal idea About childhood and childhood is not biological?
What does Ruth Benedict think about non industrial societies?
Treated differently from the modern western counterparts
What was Samantha’s Punch’s finding about rural Bolivia ?
Once reaching age five children are expected to take work responsibilities eg
Heavy machinery and equipment
What did Raymond Firth find in his search in tikopia?
Less value is placed in children so they show obedience and adult authority
What did Malinowski find in his research on trobriand Islanders?
Adults took an amused interest towards children’s sexual activities
How do sociologists see childhood ?
As socially constructed
Something created and defined by society
