Childhood

• Social construction of something that is not naturally occuring but is created by society and gets it's meaning from our culture therefore it is different overtime and between cultures.
• Wagg states that childhood isn't natural and isn't experienced by all, and is therefore socially constructed. This can be demonstrated by comparing childhood from place to place.
• The Ik tribe of Uganda suffer famine. They view children as a drain on resources. They think that children should be made to fend for themselves as soon as possible. This may mean from the age of three.
• Three key differences in childhood between modern western countries and non industrial ones:

  • Children in non-industrial countries take on responsibility much earlier.
  • In western countries, less value is placed on children showing obedience to parents.
  • Children's sexual behaviour is often viewed differently.
• some suggest that the western idea of childhood is being globalised. This means that it is being imposed on others internationally.
• Conflict view

  • Argues that the March of Progress view is too idealistic and ignores inequalities between children 
  • Argues that children are controlled by adults, who repress them 
  • Believes that the family maintains social inequality and patriarchy 
  • Uses the term "Age Patriarchy" to describe adult domination over children 
• March of Progress view 

  • Argues that society has become more child-centered
  • Points to improvements in health care, sanitation, and education
  • Believes that social policies protect children
  • Argues that children are a priority
• Phillip Aries argues that what we experience as childhood today is a recent invention. He claimed that in pre-industrial society, it did not exist. He used historical paintings to support his claim.