Childhood

• What is one view of childhood according to the text?

  Childhood is socially constructed.
• How are the values and meanings of childhood described in the text?

  They change with people and societies.
• What does the modern Western notion of childhood emphasize?

  Children are fundamentally different from adults.
• Why are children regarded as needing nurturing and socialization?

  They are seen as physically and intellectually immature.
• What is the most important feature of the Western idea of childhood according to Picher (1995)?

  Separateness of children from adults.
• How is the separateness of children expressed in society?

  Through regulations on children's activities.
• What is a common belief about childhood in Western cultures?

  It is a golden age of happiness and innocence.
• Why are children kept separate from the adult world?

  To protect their innocence and vulnerability.
• What does Stephen Wagg (1992) argue about childhood?

  Childhood is defined by specific societies and times.
• How do different cultures view childhood differently?

  They define the stages of childhood uniquely.
• What do children in simpler, non-industrial societies do differently?

  They take responsibility at an early age.
• What did Samantha Punch's (2011) study find about rural children?

  They use tools independently by age five.
• How did children in the past differ from modern Western children according to the text?

  They did not experience emotional instability.
• What is the view of children's obedience in adult authority in the West Pacific?

  Children's behavior is not seen as dangerous.
• What do the Tikar and Bwamba cultures view differently about children's behavior?

  Children's peace and acts are respected.
• What does the text suggest about childhood across cultures?

  Childhood is not universal but socially constructed.
• What do some sociologists argue about Western notions of childhood?

  They are being globalized and imposed worldwide.
• What historical perspective is provided about childhood in the Middle Ages?

  Children entered the workforce soon after weaning.
• How do campaigns against child labor reflect Western views?

  They view childhood as a vulnerable stage.
• What did Edward Shorter argue about parental attitudes in the Middle Ages?

  High death rates led to indifference towards infants.
• What significant change occurred in the late 20th century regarding children?

  Less child labor and exclusion from paid work.
• What does Neil Postman (1982) argue about the future of childhood?

  Childhood is disappearing at a rapid speed.
• What does Postman attribute the disappearance of childhood to?

  The rise of print technology and information hierarchy.
• How does television affect the distinction between childhood and adulthood?

  It blurs the distinction and diminishes adult authority + blurs information hierarchy
• What is the counterpoint to Postman's view on childhood?

  Childhood is not disappearing but changing.
• What does Christopher Jenks (1990) believe about childhood?

  Its nature is changing, not disappearing.
• How does Jenks view the role of childhood in modern society?

  As preparation for adulthood needing protection.
• What does Postman's study show about communication technologies?

  They influence experiences of childhood and adulthood
• What is a criticism of Postman's view on childhood?

  He overemphasizes a single factor
• How does Christopher Jenks view childhood in postmodernity?

  He believes its nature is changing
• What did Jenks agree with Ann about childhood's status?

  It was seen in middle-class concerns
• What role does the education system play in childhood according to Jenks?

  It provides discipline and conformity
• How does postmodern society affect adult identity according to Jenks?

  It makes personal identity more unstable
• What feelings do adults experience in postmodern society regarding their children?

  Feelings of insecurity about their security
• How do adult relationships with children change in postmodern society?

  They become a source of identity and stability
• What does Jenks argue about the perception of children in postmodern society?

  Children are seen as vulnerable and needing protection
• What does Jenks believe about the legal status of childhood?

  It continues to be separate from adulthood
• What is the evidence regarding parents' views on childhood according to Jenks?

  Evidence for and against is mixed
• How has family structure changed over time?

  From extended to nuclear families
• How are children viewed in modern families compared to traditional families?

  As dependents rather than sources of labor