The modern western notion of childhood

Question 1

Wagg

Answer 1

Childhood is socially constructed

Question 2

‘Golden age’

Answer 2

Idea that childhood is a golden age of happiness and innocence meaning during this stage children are vulnerable and need protection from the dangers of the adult world

Question 3

Socially constructed

Answer 3

While all humans go through the same stages of physical development different cultures construct or define this process differently

Question 4

Western cultures

Answer 4

Children are defined as vulnerable and unable to defend themselves they are physically and psychologically immature and not yet competent to run their own lives

Question 5

Pilcher 1995

Answer 5

The most important feature of the modern idea of childhood is separateness. It is seen as a clear and distinct lifestage in children in our society occupy a separate status from adults