Childhood

• What is the Western notion of childhood?

  Childhood is seen as a separate and happy period from adulthood.
• How are children perceived in terms of responsibilities?

  Children are seen as innocent, vulnerable, and in need of protection.
• What laws protect children from work and abuse?

  Laws exclude children from paid work and protect them from domestic abuse.
• What does the march of progress view suggest about the status of children?

  • The position/status of children has improved.
  • Children are more child-centred.
  • Lower infant mortality rates and smaller families focus on children's needs.
  • Children receive emotional support and are consulted on decisions.
• What has contributed to children being the focal point of families?

  Lower infant mortality rates and smaller families.
• How has education improved for children in recent years?

  The school leaving age was raised to 18, and exam results have improved.
• What are some examples of facilities and products geared towards children?

  Play spaces, foods, clothes, and toys.
• What evidence suggests that childhood may not have improved?

  Postman suggests that childhood is shortening and children are losing their innocence.
• What does Postman claim about the disappearance of childhood?

  He claims that children are growing up too quickly and losing their innocence.
• What are some signs of children growing up too quickly?

  The disappearance of unsupervised games and the similarity of adult and children's clothing.
• How does technology contribute to the erosion of childhood?

  Technology and media allow children to access adult knowledge and experiences.
• What does Palmer mean by 'toxic childhood'?

  It refers to the damage to children's development caused by various societal factors.
• What are some consequences of toxic childhood according to Palmer?

  Anxiety disorders, childhood obesity, self-harm, and drug abuse.
• How do schools respond to the pressures of toxic childhood?

  Some schools offer mindfulness programs to help children cope.
• Who is most affected by the changes leading to toxic childhood?

  Children from lower social classes and poorer social groups.
• How is childhood viewed as a social construction?

  • Childhood is created and defined by society.
  • It is not fixed or universal but varies by time, place, and culture.
  • Cross-cultural differences show varying responsibilities and expectations for children.
• What is an example of cross-cultural differences in childhood?

  In the IK culture of Northern Uganda, three-year-olds fend for themselves.
• How do children in rural Bolivia differ in their responsibilities?

  Children work in the home and community from the age of five.
• What is the Tikopia culture's view on obedience among children?

  Less value is placed on children being obedient.
• What does Aries claim about childhood in the 10th to 13th centuries?


  He claims that childhood did not exist during that time.
• What evidence supports Aries' claim about childhood in the past?

  Same laws and punishments applied to children and adults.
• What do critics argue about Aries' view on childhood?

  Critics argue that he exaggerates the notion that childhood did not exist.
• What historical changes improved the position of childhood in the 19th and 20th centuries?

  • Industrialization shifted the economy from agriculture to factory production.
  • Children were educated instead of working.
  • Child labor laws excluded children from paid work.
• What role did child labor laws play in the status of children?

  They excluded children from paid work, making them economically dependent on parents.
• What is the significance of the 1989 Children Act?

  It made the welfare of children key to social services and set responsibilities for parents.
• How did compulsory schooling affect children's status?

  It created an extended period of economic dependency on adults.
• What are some other reasons for changes in the position of childhood in the 19th and 20th centuries?

  • Governments offered welfare benefits.
  • Lower infant mortality rates led to more child-centered parenting.
  • Industrialization required an educated workforce.
• What does the term 'toxic childhood' refer to in the 20th-21st centuries?

  It refers to the negative impacts on childhood due to societal changes and media exposure.
• What do conflict views maintain about the status of children?

  They argue that social inequalities mean the position/status of children has not improved for all.
• What are some inequalities between children?

  • Class differences: working-class children face more challenges.
  • International differences: children in the Third World experience poverty.
  • Gender differences: girls do more housework than boys.
• What is age patriarchy according to liberationists?


  It is the idea that adults use their power to dominate and control children.
• How do adults control children's movements and routines?

  Adults impose restrictions on where children can play and their daily routines.
• What are some negative experiences children may face in family life?

  Some children experience neglect and abuse, including physical and emotional abuse.
• What do critics of liberationists argue about adult intervention?

  They argue that adult intervention can benefit children, such as laws against child abuse.
• What does Opie argue about children's experiences?

  Opie argues that children still have a separate experience from adults.
• How do international agencies view childhood?

  They campaign for a separate childhood where children are seen as innocent and need protection.
• What does the project 'Wild Thing' aim to achieve?

  It encourages parents to reconnect their children with nature and explore childhood freely.
• What does Jencks argue about childhood in postmodern society?

  Jencks argues that childhood is changing rather than disappearing, creating instability and risk.
• What evidence supports Jencks' view on childhood?

  Research shows parents prioritize their relationship with their children over their own parents.
• What do critics point out about Jencks' generalizations?

  Critics argue that not all children have a strong protective bond from their parents.