Childhood

• What do many sociologists argue about the position of children in contemporary society compared to the past?

  Many sociologists argue that the position of children has vastly improved, while others argue it has worsened.
• What does Postman argue has led to the disappearance of childhood?

  Postman argues that advertising and sexualisation have led to the disappearance of childhood.
• What is the functionalist perspective on the position of children in society?

  Functionalists argue that society is adapting in a 'march of progress' towards a more harmonious society.
• What improvements do functionalists believe have benefited children in contemporary society?

  Functionalists believe that compulsory education and a more child-centred approach are improvements.
• How have children's lives improved according to functionalists?

  Children's lives have improved due to better healthcare, lower infant mortality, more nutritious diets, and laws protecting their rights.
• What do Marxists and feminists argue about the march of progress view regarding children?

  Marxists and feminists argue that it conceals underlying power inequalities, conflicts, and problems that children face.
• What inequalities do Marxists and feminists highlight among children?

  They highlight substantial inequalities based on social class, gender, and ethnicity.
• What legal constraints do children face according to the study material?


  Children lack the same legal rights as other groups due to legal constraints.
• How do Marxists and feminists view the legal constraints on children?

  They view it as a form of social control that undermines children's independence and makes them dependent on adults.
• What is the implication of children's dependence on adults according to the study material?

  Dependence on adults leaves children open to abuse, particularly in the home.
• According to UNICEF, how do Britain's children rank in terms of happiness in the Western world?

  Britain's children are some of the unhappiest in the Western world.
• What issues do children in the UK face according to UNICEF?


  Children in the UK are more prone to poor physical and mental health, school failure, and dysfunctional relationships with parents and peers.
• What does Neil Postman argue about the distinction between adults and children?

  Postman argues that the distinction is weakening, leading to a merging of tastes, styles, and experiences.
• How has global media affected children's exposure to adult experiences?

  Global media, especially the Internet, has led to children no longer being sheltered from adult experiences and knowledge.
• What are some adult themes that children are exposed to, according to the study material?

  Children are exposed to adult themes such as sex, crime, alcohol, and drug abuse.
• What is the consequence of children's exposure to adult themes?

  It leads to children committing more adult crimes and erodes cultural divisions between childhood and adulthood.
• What does Cunningham argue about parental authority?

  Cunningham argues that parental authority has been undermined because children are earning pocket money or working part-time.
• How does Margo describe children's access to advertising?

  Margo describes it as unprecedented, transforming children into consumers who demand access to the adult world earlier.
• What does Palmer suggest about parents and technology?

  Palmer suggests that parents are becoming more reliant on technology to keep children occupied due to longer working hours.
• What is 'toxic childhood syndrome' according to Palmer?

  'Toxic childhood syndrome' results from dependency on technology, depriving children of a proper childhood.
• What do some sociologists argue about the nature of childhood today?

  Some sociologists argue that childhood is changing rather than disappearing.
• How is childhood culture described in contemporary society?

  Childhood culture continues to thrive but is more independent from adults, making it harder for parents to manage.
• What role does the Internet play in children's knowledge and culture?

  The Internet provides children with knowledge and imagery that parents may not be aware of, creating a new childhood culture.
• How do consumer markets affect childhood culture?

  Consumer markets create and feed childhood culture, while children remain financially dependent on their parents.
• What global issues related to child rights are mentioned in the study material?

  There is growing opposition to child labour, the use of child soldiers, and the abuse and neglect of street children.
• What are the key arguments regarding the position of children in contemporary society?

  • Improved position according to some sociologists
  • Worsened position according to others
  • Postman argues that advertising and sexualisation contribute to the disappearance of childhood
  • Functionalists see a 'march of progress' towards a harmonious society
  • Marxists and feminists highlight power inequalities and conflicts faced by children
• What are the main factors contributing to the changing nature of childhood?

  • Exposure to adult themes through media
  • Changes in parental authority due to children's financial independence
  • The rise of consumerism and technology
  • The emergence of a new childhood culture independent from adults
• Philippe Ariès' argument


  Childhood as we know it today did not exist in pre-industrial society. Children were seen as being closer to adults and the boundaries between childhood and adulthood were blurred.
• Main features distinguishing childhood from adulthood


  Social dependence, limited autonomy, education, socialization, and biological development