Childhood

• Childhood


  A social construct created and defined by society, not a fixed concept but changes between different times, cultures and places
• Modern western notion of childhood

  • Childhood is seen as a special time when children are not intellectually and mature enough, and not old enough to run their own life
  • Childhood is seen as a clear and distinct life stage, with children occupying a separate status to adults (e.g. not allowed to vote, can wear different clothes)
• The modern idea of childhood is seen as a "golden age of happiness and innocence", but children also need protection
• Childhood is not universally seen the same way across cultures
• A 12 year old child and a 2 year old child are different and separate, but may be given the same status in some societies
• In simpler, non-industrial societies, children are generally treated differently from western countries, taking on more responsibility at a younger age
• There is less value placed on children showing obedience to adult authority in some non-western societies
• Globalisation of childhood


  International charities and humanitarians have exported and imposed the norms of western childhood on the world, e.g. western attitudes on child labour
• Historical differences in childhood

  • In the Middle Ages, the idea of childhood did not exist, children were seen as "mini adults" with the same rights, duties and skills as adults
  • The "modern cult of childhood" emerged since the 13th century, with schools, changing clothing, and books on child-rearing
• Aries believes that in today's society, children are more valued, protected, better educated, healthier, and have far more rights
• Shorter argues that high death rates in the past encouraged indifference and neglect towards infants
• Pollock argues that childhood was just different in the Middle Ages, but Aries' work is valuable in showing that childhood is socially constructed
• Reasons for changes in the position of children

  • Laws restricting child labour and excluding children from paid work
  • Introduction of compulsory schooling
  • Child protection and welfare legislation
  • Growth of the idea of children's rights
• Industrialisation played a contribution to childhood becoming a social construct, through an educated workforce and higher welfare standards
• Postman's view


  Childhood is disappearing due to the shift from print culture (where children lacked literacy skills to explore adult matters) to television culture (where adult authority is weakened, boundaries between adults and children are blurred, and information is available to all)
• On average, a child will cost their parents £227,000 by the time they reach 21, due to pester power, the need to equip them for education, and shops aiming products at children to get parents to pay
• The "child-centred family" gives children more freedom and support, but also means parents have fewer children and can spend more time with them (march of progress)
• Toxic childhood - Palmer


  Rapid technological and cultural changes have damaged children's physical, emotional and intellectual development, due to intensive marketing to children, parents working long hours, and testing in education
• Age patriarchy - Gittens


  The adult domination and child dependency that may assert itself in the form of violence against children