Families Topic 2 - Childhood

Question 1

Childhood As a Social Construct

How is childhood socially constructed?

Answer 1

Childhood is defined and created by society - what is seen as childhood varies:
* Accross societies: cross-cultural differences
* Within societies: differences based on backround and social class

Question 2

Childhood As a Social Construct - Modern western notion of childhood

How does Pilcher define childhood?

Pilcher (1995) views)

Answer 2

• He says childhood is seen as a distinct, seperate life stage
• Childhood hold different status compared to adults

Question 3

Childhood As a Social Construct - Modern western notion of childhood

In what ways do children have a different status from adutls?

Answer 3

• Physical and Phsycological immaturity: Children are dependent and in need of care and protection
• Period of socialisation: Children are nurtured and socialized before they assume adult responsibilities

E.G.
* Laws: Prohibiting child labour
* Expectations: Attendence in school
* Products & Services: Toys, Clothing (school)

Question 4

Childhood As a Social Construct - Modern western notion of childhood

What does Wagg, 1992 suggest about childhood?

Answer 4

• He says there is no single universal experience of childhood
• Childhood is a social construct, shaped by cultural and societal contexts

Question 5

Childhood As a Social Construct

What is Benedict (1934) - Cross Cultural differences in Childhood?

Answer 5

• Responsibility at an early age: Children are assigned tasks in the home/community without question
• Obedience to adults: Less emphasis on obedience to authority (e.g. Firths study in Tihopia)
• Views on sexual behaviour: Children’s sexual behaviours are treated differently in some cultures (e.g. Tolerance among the trobiand islanders)

Question 6

Childhood As a Social Construct - Globalisation of Western Childhood

What is Globalisation?

Answer 6

• Globalisation refers to the increased interconnectedness of the world in terms of time and space, creating a global society and culture

Question 7

Childhood As a Social Construct - Globalisation of Western Childhood

What are the Western Norms around children?

Answer 7

• Seperate life stage
• Nuculear family
• Education
• Innocence
• Vulnerability

Question 8

Childhood As a Social Construct - Globalisation of Western Childhood

What is meant by the globalisation of Western Childhood?

Answer 8

• Western norms of childhood are imposed on other parts of the world
• This occurs through international humanatarian and wellfare agencies