Social Construct

• •It is generally accepted in our society today that childhood is a special time of life and children are fundamentally different from adults.•They are regarded as physically and psychologically immature and not yet competent to run their own lives.  There is a belief that children’s lack of skills, knowledge and experience means that they need a lengthy protected period of nurturing and socialisation before they are ready for adult society and its responsibilities. •Childhood is seen as a clear and distinct stage.
• Differences In Clothing


  •Children’s clothes are often brightly coloured and playful – emphasising that childhood is a time of fun and enjoymentChildren’s clothes tend to be more ‘covered up’ than adult clothing,  emphasising that childhood is a time of innocence
• THE MODERN WESTERN NOTION OF CHILDHOOD

  •Childhood is also viewed as a ‘golden age’ of happiness and innocence. •This innocence means that children are seen as vulnerable and in need of protection from the dangers of the adult world•Children’s lives are lived largely in the sphere of the family and education where adults provide for them and protect them.•Children lead lives of leisure and play and are largely excluded from paid work.
• Cross cultural differences

  Ruth Benedict (1934) claims that  children in simpler, non-industrial societies are generally treated differently from their modern western counterparts in 3 ways:
• 2. Less value is placed on children showing obedience to adult authority

  • •Raymond Firth (1970) Tikopia of the western Pacific - doing as you are told by a grown-up is regarded as a concession to be granted by the child, not a right to be expected by the adult.
• 3. Childrens sexual behaviour is viewed differently

  •Bronislaw Malinowski (1957) - Trobriand Islanders of the South-West Pacific - adults took an attitude of ‘tolerance and amused interest’ towards children’s sexual explorations and activities.
• Aries – Argues that in the middle ages childhood did not exist.


  •Childhood as we know it did not exist.•Children were ‘little/mini adults’ who took part in the same work and play activities as adults.•Toys and games specifically for children did not exist.•Children seen as an economic asset, rather than something to be cared for.•Children were punished for crimes in the same way that adults were (In Tudor times a 7 year old could be hung for stealing).
• A03

  •The majority of paintings would have been commissioned by were wealthy high-status individuals.•Diaries were only written by literate individuals. Therefore they are not representative of the wider population.•Paintings are not reflective of everyday life and capture only a single moment.
• A03

  •Designed to impressive an audience - wealth, unlikely to give a realistic portrayal of childhood behaviour.•The majority of paintings of children in the medieval period would depict religious figures (the baby Jesus) so are likely to be more serious and respectful, not necessarily representing most children at the time.
• Reasons for the changes in the position of children in the UK

  •Laws restricting child labour – excluding children from paid work•Compulsory schooling in 1870•Child protection and welfare legislation (e.g: Children's act, 1989)•Increase in children's rights•Declining family size and IMR•Increased knowledge on children's health and development•Laws and policies to protect children
• •Emergence of child- centred society- ‘children are valued, loved and protected!’••As a result of improved standards of living= major decline in infant mortality rates••Increased availability of contraception meant couples could choose to have fewer children= invest more time in them in terms of love, socialisation and protection.
• Child Centred Society