Childhood

Modern western view of childhood -

• Children are fundamentally different from adults
• immature
• incompetent 
• lacks skills, knowledge, and experience
• need protected and socialized
• innocent 

Childhood is clear and distinct life stage, reflected in -

• Laws
• dress
• products and services
• age of innocence
• vulnerable 
• activities 

The social construct of childhood -

• Throughout life, it is assumed children need a protected period to prepare them for adulthood

Cultural differences and childhood - Childhood used to be treated differently in pre-industrial societies in 3 ways 

1.More responsibility at a younger age

2.Less value placed on obedience and authority to adults

3.Sexual behavior viewed differently

Pre-industrial period -

• childhood as we know it did not exist 
• Children were viewed as mini adults who took part in same work
• Toys for children did not exist 
• seen as an economic asset 
• punished for crimes exactly…