Childhood- as a social construct

    Cards (10)

    • What did Aries say about childhood in Middle Ages?
      • Childhood ‘didnt exist’ in middle ages
      • Children faced the same punishments as adults, and were seen as little adults
      • There was no differentiation in work, rights and clothes
      • Did this through studying works of art from that period
    • when did the modern notion of childhood begin to emerge according to Aries?
      13th century. 20th century was known as the century of the child.
    • A03 of Aries- evidence
      Aries used historical sources for his theory, analysing works of art etc. This is subjective and unreliable as it’s not scientifically supported. despite this, his work is valuable in demonstrating childhood as a social construct.
    • A03 Of Aries- underestimating
      Aries underestimates the difference in children and adults. For example, in the Middle Ages there was still a law that prohibited children under 12 from marrying. So there was still an element of separation of adults nd children, and it did exist.
    • What did Pilcher say about childhood?
      • The most notable feature of childhood in modern day is separateness.
      • Childhood is a clear life stage emphasised through laws (eg legal age to marry is 18)
      • Children are seen as vulnerable in UK as concept of childhood is innocence And happiness. So, they live in golden age.
      • Children must be kept separate from dangers of adult world.
    • Criticism of Pilcher
      Wagg states that childhood is socially constructed
    • Who said there were cross cultural differences in childhood?
      Benedict
    • what did Benedict argue?
      children in simpler, non-industrial societies are treated differently than their modern counterparts in the west. due to:
      • having more responsibility at home and work (punch found children in Bolivia are expected to work from 5)
      • less value placed on children showing obedience to adult authority
      • children’s sexual behaviour is viewed differently (Malinowski found adults took an attitude of amused interest/tolerance towards children’s sexual explorations.
    • What is a social construct?
      Something created or defined by society. Not a fixed concept
    • Is childhood a social construct according to benedict?
      Yes- in lots of non-industrialised cultures, there’s a smaller dividing line in behaviour expected off children and adults. Thus, it’s a social construct.