Social Construction of Childhood

• Modern Western Notion of Childhood:

  > Pilcher - the most important feature of childhood is 'separateness' (childhood is seen as a distinct life stage and children occupy a separate status from adults) - children are seen as physically and psychologically immature - this is illustrated through laws regulating children's actions, differences in dress and differences in products

  > childhood is seen as a 'golden age' of happiness, but this also means they are vulnerable, so children's lives are largely lived in the sphere of family and education, where adults can protect them
• Cross Cultural Differences:

  > Benedict - in non-Western cultures, there is less of a division between adults and children for a number of reasons:

  > they take responsibility at an early age - Punch found that, in rural Bolivia, children of five are expected to take on responsibilities in the home and community

  > less value is placed on showing obedience to adult authority

  > children's sexual behaviour is viewed differently
• Historical Differences:

  > childhood is a relatively recent 'invention' - Aries argues that in pre-industrial society, childhood did not exist

  > after physical dependency during infancy, children were viewed as 'mini adults' who would take on adult responsibilities as young as 7 - expected to help in the house, could be held criminally responsible, and dressed in the same clothes as adults

  > Shorter - children were not seen as vulnerable, as demonstrated by high death rates, and it was not uncommon for a child to be given the same name as a deceased sibling
• Modern Cult of Childhood:

  > Aries - the modern notion of childhood began to emerge from the 13th century onwards, as schools began to specialise purely in education for children, which reflected the Church's prioritisation of children

  > 17th century - clothing became distinct

  > 18th century - handbooks on childrearing were widely available

  > 19th century - infant mortality rate began to decrease with improvements in sanitation and diet

  > he described the 20th century as 'the century of the child'
• Western Notion of Childhood is being Globalised:

  > some believe that the Western construction of childhood is becoming globalised through international humanitarian and welfare agencies

  > for example, concerns about child labour in developing world countries reflects a Western view of how childhood ought to be

  > however, this might be an important preparation for adulthood in these countries
• Modern Notion of Childhood is Under Threat:

  > Palmer - children are experiencing 'toxic childhood'

  > rapid technological and cultural changes (junk food, testing in education) have damaged children's physical, emotional and intellectual development - they are no longer protected

  > the UK is near the top of the international league tables for obesity, self harm, drug and alcohol abuse