Childhood

• What is the main question regarding childhood as a social construct?

  In what ways is childhood socially constructed?
• Why did the modern notion of childhood develop?

  Due to changes in society and culture
• What are the different views about the future of childhood?

  Some believe it is disappearing, others disagree
• How do sociologists view childhood?

  • Not a 'natural' category
  • Socially constructed by society
  • Varies between societies, classes, and historically
• Who argues that children in non-industrial societies have more responsibility?

  Benedict (1934)
• How are children treated differently in non-industrial societies compared to modern Western societies?

  They have more responsibility and less obedience
• What is a key feature of the modern Western notion of childhood according to Pilcher (1995)?

  Childhood is seen as a separate status from adulthood
• According to Cunningham (2007), how are children viewed in relation to adults?

  As the opposite of adults, with rights to happiness
• What are the historical differences in the concept of childhood?

  • Modern childhood is a recent invention
  • In medieval Europe, childhood did not exist
  • Schools began to specialize in children's education
  • Distinction between children's and adults' clothing emerged
• When did the modern notion of childhood begin to emerge?

  From the 13th century
• What major social changes contributed to the changing position of children in the 19th and 20th centuries?

  Lower infant mortality rates and smaller families
• How did laws banning child labor affect children's status?

  Changed children from economic assets to liabilities
• What does the Children Act (1989) emphasize regarding parents' responsibilities?

  Parents have responsibilities towards their children
• What is the infant mortality rate in 1900 compared to now?

  1900: 154; now: 4
• What does Postman (1994) argue about childhood?

  Childhood is disappearing due to television culture
• How does television culture affect the boundary between childhood and adulthood?

  It breaks down the boundary and weakens authority
• What are the competing views on whether children's position has improved?

  • 'March of progress' view: children's position is improving
  • 'Toxic childhood' view: rapid changes harm children
  • Conflict view: inequalities persist among children
• Who argues that rapid technological changes harm children's development?

  Palmer (2006)
• What does the 'march of progress' view suggest about children's care?

  Children are better cared for today than ever
• What inequalities exist among children in Western societies?

  Gender, ethnic, and class differences affect life chances
• What do child liberationists argue about adult control over children?

  It is a form of oppression and inequality
• Who argues that there is an age patriarchy of adult domination?

  Gittins (1998)
• How do adults exercise control over children according to Gittins?

  By controlling their time, space, and bodies
• How do children resist their restricted status?

  By acting older, such as smoking or drinking
• What does the new sociology of childhood emphasize?

  • Children as active agents in their own lives
  • Importance of children's viewpoints
  • Recognition of diverse childhood experiences
• What does Smart's study of divorce reveal about children?

  Children actively try to improve their situations
• What is the significance of recognizing multiple childhoods?

  It highlights the diversity of childhood experiences
• In pre-industrial society, how were children viewed?

  There was little distinction between children and adults