Chilhood

Childhood as a social construct

Pilcher- the most important feature of childhood is seperateness

Wagg- childhood is socially constructed- different cultures construct or define the process differently

Punch- strudy of childhood in Bolivia, found that children of the age of 5 are expected to work.

Aries- childhood did not exist in the middle ages

Shorter- argues high death rates encouraged indifference and neglect.

Reasons for changes-

Laws restricitng child labour

compulsory education

distinction between adult and child clothing

Has the postition of chilhood improved?

Loyd de mause, aries and shorter all have a march of progress view.  They…