The Modern Western Notion Of Childhood Flashcards
(22 cards)
Who is the sociologist?
Pilcher
What are children regarded as?
Physically and psychologically immature than adults
What do children need in terms of nurturing?
A lengthy, protected period of nurturing and socialisation
Why do they need nurturing?
They have a lack of skills, knowledge and experience
What are children not ready for?
Adult society and its responsibilities
What does Pilcher note as the most important feature of childhood?
The separateness
How is childhood separate?
It’s a clear and distinct life stage
What do children in society occupy?
A separate status from adults
How is separateness emphasised?
Through protection laws, alcohol and illegal things
How is the difference from adults emphasised?
Dress, products, services, TV, food, toys
What else is related to the separateness?
The idea of childhood as a ‘golden age’
Why is childhood the golden age?
It’s filled with happiness, innocence and relaxation
What is the most vulnerable during the golden age?
The innocence
How can the innocent be protected?
Through protection laws and ‘quarantined’
How are children’s lives lived?
Their lives are structured around family and education
How are lives for children?
Comfortable as adults provide for them and protect them from the outside world
What is the critique?
Childhood separateness is not universal
Who critiques it?
Stephen Wagg
What do different cultures construct differently?
The same stages of physical development that all humans go through
What are children defined as today in the western cultures?
Vulnerable and unable to fend for themselves
But what do other cultures no see?
They don’t see a great difference between children and adults
What is Wagg’s quote?
“Childhood is socially constructed”
