Childhood

• Social construction- A social phenomenon which is not naturally occurring but created by society and which varies from culture to culture.
• 
  

  Modern western notions of childhood

  Pilcher:

  • Clear distinction of childhood is 'separateness'.
  • laws which determine what children can and cannot do.
  • Products and services aimed specifically at children (books, toys ,foods).
  • 'Golden age' of happiness and innocence.
  • Vulnerable and in need of protection.
  • A life of play and leisure.
• Cross-cultural differences in childhood

  • Other cultures do not define childhood in the same way.
  • Children in undeveloped countries often are used as an economic asset, child soldiers, or forced in to marriage.
  • Benedict argues children in non-developed and non-industrial societies are treated differently from western children.
  • They take on responsibilities at an early age, especially domestic roles.
  • Less value is placed on the obedient child.
  • Variations in child sexual behaviour.
• Historical differences in childhood

  • The position of children has changed over time and 'Childhood' is a modern invention.
• Historical differences in childhood

  • Aries
  • Prior to the 13th century, during the middle-ages, childhood did not exist.
  • Children worked in domestic and/or manual roles as early as they reasonably could.
  • The law made no distinction between adults and children and they were often punished in the same manner for the same crimes.
• Historical differences in childhood

  • Aries
  • In historical paintings children are often depicted in similar clothing to adults and engaging in similar activities.
  • They possess no distinct characteristics of childhood and are simply 'smaller in scale'.
• The march of progress view

  • Aries
  • Children are better protected, are more valued, and have greater access to care for their psychological, physical and emotional needs.
  • Higher standards of living and improvements to healthcare have led to a decline in the IMR.
  • A child-centred society.
• The conflict view

  • Argue the march of progress view is idealistic and ignores two types of inequality:
  • Inequalities among children.
  • Inequalities between children and adults.
• THE CONFLICT VIEW

  Inequalities among children:

  • Children born in different nationalities, social classes, ethnic groups and genders will have significantly different life experiences and life chances.
  • Children born in developing countries still have a much lower quality of life and life expectancy compared to western countries.