childhood

• What do sociologists study regarding family members?

  Changes in the status of family members
• What is the focus of this topic on childhood?

  Changes in childhood and children's position
• How do sociologists view childhood?

  As a social construct
• What does it mean that childhood is socially constructed?

  It is created and defined by society
• How does the modern western notion of childhood differ from the past?

  It views children as fundamentally different from adults
• What is the belief about children's immaturity in modern society?

  They need a lengthy period of nurturing
• What is the most important feature of modern childhood according to Jane Pilcher?

  Separateness
• How is the separateness of childhood emphasized in society?

  Through laws regulating children's activities
• What is the idea of childhood as a golden age associated with?

  Happiness and innocence
• Why are children seen as vulnerable in modern society?

  They need protection from adult dangers
• What are the three major issues examined regarding childhood?

  • How childhood is socially constructed
  • Is the position of children better today?
  • What is the future of childhood likely to be?
• What does Stephen Wagg argue about childhood?

  It is not a universal experience
• How do different cultures view childhood?

  They define it differently based on context
• What does Ruth Benedict argue about children in non-industrial societies?

  They are treated differently than in the West
• What responsibility do children have in rural Bolivia according to Samantha Punch?

  They take work responsibilities at age five
• How do Tikopia children view obedience to adults?

  It is a concession, not an obligation
• How is children's sexual behavior viewed in some cultures?

  With tolerance and amused interest
• What are the three ways children are treated differently in non-industrial societies?

  • They take responsibility at an early age
  • Less value is placed on obedience to adults
  • Children's sexual behavior is viewed differently
• What do some sociologists argue about western childhood norms?

  They are being globalised worldwide
• What do campaigns against child labor reflect?

  Western views on childhood norms
• How does Philippe Ariès describe childhood in the Middle Ages?

  It did not exist as a separate stage
• What did children contribute to in the Middle Ages?

  Family economy through work
• How did children appear in Middle Ages art according to Ariès?

  Without characteristics of childhood
• What did Edward Shorter argue about parental attitudes in the Middle Ages?

  High death rates led to neglect and indifference
• What elements of modern childhood emerged from the 13th century onwards according to Ariès?

  • Specialization of schools for children
  • Distinction in children's and adults' clothing
  • Availability of childrearing handbooks
• What does Ariès mean by the 'cult of childhood'?

  Obsession with childhood in modern society
• What criticism does Linda Pollock have of Ariès' argument?

  Childhood existed but was viewed differently
• What is the value of Ariès' work according to the text?

  It shows that childhood is socially constructed
• What do some sociologists argue about children's position in society?

  It has significantly improved due to laws.
• What do some sociologists believe about childhood in modern times?

  Childhood has turned ‘toxic’ due to changes.
• What are the changes to childhood over time according to Aries?

  • In the middle ages, childhood did not exist.
  • Children had adult-like responsibilities and rights.
  • They were seen as economic assets.
  • Modern childhood shows a distinction in clothing, rights, and responsibilities.
• What does Postman argue about childhood in modern society?

  Childhood is ‘disappearing’ in modern society.
• What created a hierarchy between adults and children according to Postman?

  The printed word created a hierarchy.
• How does television affect the distinction between adults and children?

  TV blurs the distinction and information hierarchy.
• What does Shorter say about childhood in the middle ages?

  • High death rate led to indifference and neglect.
  • Parents referred to children as “it”.
  • Children were often named after deceased siblings.
• What is the March of Progress view on childhood?

  • Childhood has significantly improved.
  • Children are seen as vulnerable and needing care.
  • Laws have been introduced to improve childhood experiences (e.g., banning child labor).
• What does Palmer mean by ‘toxic childhood’?

  Rapid changes damage children's development.
• What factors contribute to ‘toxic childhood’ according to Palmer?

  Intensive marketing, long working hours, testing.
• What does Gittins mean by ‘age patriarchy’?

  • Adult domination over children.
  • Child dependency on adults.
  • Can manifest as violence against children.