Childhood

• What is the primary focus of Lesson 1 on childhood?

  To explore the concept and evidence of childhood
• What do sociologists argue about childhood?

  Childhood is a social construct
• How do different cultures view childhood?

  They interpret childhood in various ways
• What did Philippe Aries argue in his book "Centuries of Childhood"?

  Childhood is socially constructed
• What evidence did Aries use to support his argument about childhood?

  He examined historical treatment of children
• What does the term "relative nature of childhood" refer to?

  Childhood varies across cultures and time
• What criticism did Pollack have regarding Aries' work?

  He argued childhood has always existed
• What did Cunningham find about children in Renaissance Art?

  Children were depicted as innocents
• What was Pilcher's criticism of Aries' research?

  It was based on French aristocratic families
• What is one reason childhood has changed in modern times?

  Technological change and compulsory schooling
• How does Edward Shorter explain the development of modern childhood?

  Through the concept of romantic love
• What does Donzelot's research focus on regarding childhood?

  Expert knowledge about children's welfare
• What similarities exist between children in the developing world and those in the UK in the past?

  Both work long hours for low wages
• What did Blasco find about children in Mexico?

  Most worked for pay or as servants
• How many child soldiers does Amnesty International estimate exist?

  Around 300,000 child soldiers
• What did Benedict find about childhood in Samoa and Tikopia?

  Children perform demanding tasks and are not obedient
• What expectation does Punch describe for children in rural Bolivia?

  They work in the home and community from age 5
• What percentage of children suffer from absolute poverty according to Townsend et al.?

  Over two thirds of the world's children
• What is absolute poverty?

  Severe deprivation of basic human needs
• What is relative poverty?

  Lack of resources compared to others in society
• What are two arguments against the view that childhood is a fixed, universal stage?

  It changes over time and varies by culture
• What does Neil Postman argue about childhood in modern society?

  Childhood is disappearing due to mass media
• How does television culture affect childhood according to Postman?

  It blurs the boundaries between childhood and adulthood
• What does Palmer suggest about children's experiences in the UK?

  They suffer from a 'toxic childhood'
• What issues do children in the UK face according to Margo Dixon?

  High rates of obesity and self-harm
• What does Melanie Phillips argue about parenting in the UK?

  Children no longer accept authority
• What is Lee's perspective on childhood in modern society?

  Childhood is complex and ambiguous, not disappearing
• What do Child Liberationists believe about childhood?

  Childhood is globalized and changing
• What does Christopher Jenks argue about childhood in postmodernity?

  Childhood is changing but not disappearing
• What major effect does childhood complexity have on market products?

  It influences what is produced and purchased
• According to Lee (2001), how has childhood changed?

  It has become more complex and ambiguous
• Who are the Child Liberationists?

  They believe childhood is not disappearing
• What do Child Liberationists argue about western norms?

  They impose western values on childhood globally
• What term describes the global spread of childhood?

  Globalised
• What is Christopher Jenks' view on childhood in postmodernity?

  Childhood is changing, not disappearing
• How did modern society prepare children for adulthood?

  Through education as a large part of preparation
• What does Jenks emphasize about children's vulnerability?

  There is a need to protect them from abuse
• What term does Jenks use to describe family dynamics?

  Accordion family
• What do some sociologists believe about the position of children today?

  It has improved or worsened depending on perspective
• What is the 'March of Progress' view on childhood?

  • Childhood is a specific life stage
  • Kept separate from adulthood
  • Achieved through social policies
  • Seen as the 'golden age of innocence'