Topic 2- childhood

• What does Aries say about changes to childhood over time?

  In the middle ages, the idea of childhood did not exist. Children had the same responsibilities, rights and skills as adults- in turn, they were considered economic assets. However, as the modern notion of childhood began to emerge, there became a profound distinction between children and adults in terms of clothing, rights and responsibilities
• What did Postman say about changes to childhood over time?

  In modern society, childhood is disappearing. Children and adults have some of the same rights, childrens unsupervised traditional games are disappearing, children are committing adult crimes. The printed word created a hierarchy between adults, who can read, and children, who cannot- this gave adults the power to keep adult matters private. However, TV blurs the distinction and information hierarchy; TV does not require special skills to access iy
• What does Shorter say about changes to childhood over time?

  In the middle ages, the high death rate of children encouraged indifference and neglect. For example, parents referred to their child as it or give the child a name of a recently dead sibling
• Does the march of progress view think that childhood has improved?

  Childhood has improved significantly, due to how children are perceived as vulnerable people who need taking care of. In addition, there has been an introduction of laws which improve the experience of childhood e.g. laws banning child labour
• Does Palmer think that childhood has improved?

  Rapid technological and cultural changes have damaged childrens physical, emotional and intellectual development. This is the result of intensive marketing to children, parents working long hours and testing in education. This is known as toxic childhood
• Does Gittins think that childhood has improved?

  There is age patriarchy of adult domination and child dependency. This may assert itself in the form of violence against children. This is known as age patriarchy