In-depth

• What does the term 'socially constructed' imply about childhood?

  It varies across times, places, and cultures
• How do sociologists view childhood?

  As a socially constructed concept
• How are children viewed in modern Western societies?

  As physically and psychologically immature
• Why do children need a lengthy period of nurturing?

  Due to their lack of skills and experience
• What is the most important feature of modern childhood according to Pilcher?

  Separateness as a distinct life stage
• How is childhood distinguished from adulthood in modern society?

  Through laws and differences in dress
• What does the concept of 'golden age' refer to in childhood?

  Childhood as a time of happiness and innocence
• Why are children seen as vulnerable in society?

  They need protection from adult dangers
• How do different cultures view childhood?

  They define it differently based on context
• What are the three ways children are treated differently in non-industrial societies according to Benedict?

  Responsibility, obedience, and sexual behavior
• What did Punch's study in Bolivia reveal about childhood responsibilities?

  Children take work responsibilities at age five
• How does Firth's study of the Tikopia culture differ from Western views on obedience?

  Obedience is a concession, not an expectation
• What attitude do adults have towards children's sexual behavior in Malinowski's findings?

  They show tolerance and amused interest
• What does the globalization of Western childhood imply?

  Western norms are imposed globally
• What do campaigns against child labor reflect about Western views on childhood?

  They reflect a belief in childhood innocence
• What did Aries argue about childhood during the Middle Ages?

  It did not exist as a separate concept
• How did art from the Middle Ages depict children according to Aries?

  Children were shown without childhood characteristics
• What changes began to emerge in childhood from the 13th century onwards?

  Schools specialized in educating the young
• What does the 'cult of childhood' refer to?

  The obsession with childhood in modern society
• What factors contributed to the changing position of children in the 19th and 20th centuries?

  Child labor laws and compulsory schooling
• How did industrialization affect childhood?

  It required an educated workforce through schooling
• What does Postman argue about the disappearance of childhood?

  It is disappearing due to media influence
• What role did mass literacy play in the emergence of childhood?

  It created an information hierarchy between adults and children
• How does television affect the distinction between childhood and adulthood?

  It blurs the boundaries between the two
• What does Opie argue about childhood?

  Childhood is not disappearing; it persists
• What is the 'march of progress' view on childhood?

  Children's position has steadily improved
• How does Jenks view the changes in childhood?

  Childhood is changing, not disappearing
• What do adults fear in postmodern society regarding childhood?

  They fear for their children's security
• What do Aries and Shorter argue about modern childhood?

  Children are more valued and protected today
• How has family structure changed regarding children?

  Families have become more child-centered
• What does Palmer mean by 'toxic childhood'?

  Children's development is harmed by modern changes
• What do Marxists and feminists argue about childhood?

  They highlight inequalities in childhood experiences
• What are the inequalities among children based on nationality?

  Different nationalities experience different childhoods
• How do gender differences manifest in childhood experiences?

  Boys have more freedom than girls
• What class inequalities affect children's development?

  Poor mothers have low birth-weight babies
• What forms can adult control over children take?

  Neglect, abuse, and regulation of space
• What does the term 'age patriarchy' refer to?

  Adult domination over child dependency
• How does the 'new sociology of childhood' differ from traditional views?

  It sees children as active agents in their lives
• What does Smart advocate for in studying childhood?

  Including children's views and experiences
• How do children define their own family according to Mason and Tipper?

  They include people beyond traditional definitions