childhood

• childhood is a social construct and how we define it is based on our own experiences and expectations which changes over time,

  childhood is not universal as it is not the same everywhere,it varies in countries and cultures
• 1 way childhood is not universal:historical differences

  -the childhood that we know today did not exist in the pre industrial society where children were mini adults(they took part in adult activities and were treated as adults,they were not protected by laws),this is different to today's society as there is laws that restrict what children can and cannot do(eg.children cannot drink until they are 18)

  AO3-paintings shown lack validity and do not give a true picture of childhood as only the rich could afford paintings.Therefore,we cannot gain a full understanding of childhood
• 1 way childhood is not universal:cultural differences

  -childhood is experienced and viewed differently around the world.For example,india has alot of child labour and children are seen as workers,however in the UK they are seen as innocent and in need of protection so safeguarding laws prevent .

  -child soldiers are another example of cultural difference.Some children in africa are kidnapped by criminal gangs and force them to be soldiers otherwise them and their family will be killed.In uk,children have the right to play and the right to be safe from violence
• 1 way childhood is not universal:social class difference

  in the UK,around 4 million children live in poverty.Working class experience negative childhood as they suffer from material deprivation so they cannot buy things that make childhood special(eg.toys)while middle class children have economic capital and can buy toys,clothes.

  Analysis-austerity has widened this negative experience due to budget cuts,they suffer from financial stress and have a lower wellbeing by the age of 14.
• 1 way childhood is not universal:ethnic differences

  -south east asian girls experience more restriction than asian boys.They are expected to do housetasks and stay quiet while the boys can go out while asian girls cannot.

  Analysis-intersectionality-gender also affects children's experiences even in the same ethnicity
• 2 ways childhood is not universal:gender differences

  -girls experience more social control than boys(eg.boys can be out late while girls cant)this creates gender stereotypes

  -boys and girls are socialised differently and forced into playing with toys that conform to their gender stereotypes(girls play with dolls to prepare them for the expressive roles),this limits their career aspirations

  AO3-nowadays,growing numbers of parents are raising their children gender-neutral