Nature of childhood and changes of children in society

Question 1

stephen wagg (1992)

Answer 1

argues that humans go through the same stages of physical development but different cultures can define this process differently

Question 2

Jane pilcher (1995)

Answer 2

says most important features of childhood is separateness
separateness - childhood is seen as a clear and distinct stage in life and they occupy a separate status from adults

Question 3

‘Golden Age’ of childhood

Answer 3

• idea of happiness and innocence in children
• could mean children are seen as vulnerable

Question 4

Reasons for the changes in position of children

Answer 4

• the introduction of compulsory schooling
• child protection and welfare legislation
• declining family size and lower infant mortality rates
• childrens development become the subject of medical knowledge
• laws and policies relating to children
• laws restricting child labour

Question 5

laws and policies

Answer 5

• every child matters

Question 6

Phillipe aries (1960)

Answer 6

• says schools cam to specialise purely in the education of the young
• growing distinction between childrens and adults clothing
• handbooks on rearing children became available

Question 7

March of progress view

Answer 7

• argue that the family has become child centred
  -now they are the focal point of the family and consulted on many decisions
  -parents invest a great deal in their children emotionally
  -society as a whole has become child centred as there is more media output for them

Question 8

Postman

Answer 8

Dissapearance of childhood
- Television has broken down the information hierarchy which means adults and children are more blended
9pm watershed - adult shows shown after 9pm and children before 9pm has gone away

Question 9

Sue palmer

Answer 9

• talks about toxic childhood and how technological and cultural changes led to development
  e.g social media which can lead to mental health problems

Question 10

conflict perspectives

Answer 10

why childhood might not be enjoyable
-differences in nationalities
- differences in gender
-control of childrens space,time and resources

Question 11

How children changed over time

Answer 11

• children were seen as mini adults (aries said this)
  -developed as more laws and policies were put in place
  -more children culture had developed

Question 12

position of children got better

Answer 12

• phillipe aries
  -march of progress view

Question 13

position of children got worse

Answer 13

-neil postman
-sue sharpe
-conflict perspectives

Question 14

child laws

Answer 14

• united nations convention on the rights of a child - says every child should be recognised, respected and protected
• child support act - introduced responsibility for parents to maintain their children so an absent parent has to contribute
• sure start - a programme to deliver services and support to young children, can also include parenting classes
• free early years provision - format of education, 30 hrs a week of free childcare