Childhood

Postman- information hierarchy-

Past- adults were on top in charge and children underneath with no authority.

The only people who had access to information was people who could read or write as everything was on newspapers.

This means children were reliant on adults for any information, this protected the children from any adult information they don't need to know.

However, Now, the increase in tech means anyone can access information- children are normally better at using technology so they're probably better than adults. 

This means the line between childhood and adulthood is blurred.

Childrens status has improved- not dependent, can learn for themselves however, are more vulnerable as they can access anything, more than adults. They can't be protected.

Aries- 'little adults'

Pre-industrial- research through painting (invalid as its based on interpretation)

At 7/8 children had responsbilites- working at the family business 

^ there was no laws against this at this time and the family needs the money due to this being free labour for them.

Ascribed status, treated as adults.

A03- Pilcher-'golden age'

Children are seen as vulnerable and innocent. They now get more supervision from parents-no freedom and highly controlled.

Now laws to protect vulnerability of children- compulsory education, child protection laws, laws against child labour.

Palmer- toxic childhood (hyperreality)

All the photos on social media are filtered images, this leads to body image issues and potential eating disorders.

Unrealistic goals- trends, marxist perspective 

Body image issues and eating disorders are very much adult issues which children shouldn't have to deal with because of hyperreality.

A03- Opie- seperate status-

This says that there is a completely seperate line between adults and children. Adult potential issues and problems also don't effect children due to the how seperate each life-stage is.

Evidence is collected from the playground, children have their own games or songs.

Palmer- 'toxic childhood'- (kids are more spoilt)-

Kids now are the centre of the parents attention.

The kids get spoilt more with all inclusive holidays or trips to restaurants.

^this could lead to child obesity which in post modernity is increasing.

A03- Child-centeredness- Jenks

Whole life revolves around the child- all time, attention and money.

Children however are an economic liability so parents are having less and lowering the birth rate. This means that parents have more time to spend on the smaller amount of children they have, making their children spoilt is all money and time is spent with and on them.