Childhood - Childhood as a social construction

• 'Golden age' of innocence and happiness
• Children are seen as vulnerable and unable to fend for themselves

PILCHER:

• Seperate status to adults - entertaunment, books, clothes, toys.
• The most important featuer to childhood is seperateness 

BENEDICT:

• Treated in three different ways; 1. Childrens suxual behaviour is viewed differently. 2. Less value placed on children showing obedience and authority. 3.Take responsibility at an early age - PUNCH - Rural Bolivia - Children are expected to work from 5

Historical differences:

• Books are widely available - increase in child centerdness
• Clothing
• School - became about educattng the young, school was made compulsory

• Childrens health and development became medical knowledge
• Child protection and welfare legislation
• Laws
• Compulsory schooling
• Children's rights
• Declining family size