Childhood

Differences in childhood : -->  Childhood is socially constructed, as experiences of childhood vary through time and societies. 
Past: 

• Childhood was shorter
• Children who committed crime were treated like adults
• Gender roles assigned 

Developing world

• exposed to mass murder, violence (less value placed on obedience)
  
• child labour (childrens sexual exporation is viewed with tolerance and amusement)
• less freedom (children take responsibility at a much earlier age)

Now

• School age increased (value education)
• Blured lines between adults and children
• Financialy dependent for longer 
• Range of good for children

Aries proposals of differences

• Fall in mortality rates = smaller families (mortality rate declined parents developed an emotional bond)
• Growth of education = 1880 compulsory education > economic burden rather than economic asset
  
• Reforms and Laws = restricted child labour (1989 Children's Act)
• Rise in family income = bigger childrens market

However, he was heavily critisised for basing his assumpotions on patings, which are not representable hence can't be generalised. 

Postman Disappearance of childhood 

• Middle ages = speech was the only barrier between children & adults (no desire to protect them from the adult world)
• Literacy made a hierachy between children and adults, through which adults could keep information about eg.sex, money away from children 
• Emerge of internet and television has destroyed this hierachy, as children can access same information as adults

Jenks argues childhood is not dissapearing but undergoing a change, as chidren are the only certain thing, in an uncertian world- hence the extensive care for them. 

The exploitaion of western childhood has led to this 'ideal childhood' idea, that varies between societies.

March of progress = childhood is better than ever before. Children are more valued, educated and protected.

Marxists & Feminists argue is still not fair, as some have more than others (class/gender) 

• Children of unskilled manual workers are more likely to be seen as hyperactive/stereotyped

Society had become 'child-centered'  =  Toxic childhood                    (Sue Palmer)

• Diet/ lack of sleep and play/ changes in education and care/ growing up in electronic
• Lack of involvement from parents = children are more indivudalistic= able to groom
  = low attention span, hyperactivity, children becoming consumers 

Who argued childhood didnt exist in the Middle Ages?

• Postman
• Jenkins
• Aries

What does it mean that childhood is socially constructed?

The idea that the position of children has imporoved, is known as?

• March of progress
• Marxist view
• Aries view

What is age patriachy ?

Who believes childhood is disappearing ?

• Postman
• Palmer