Paper 2 Section A

Childhood: the position of children in society

Wagg: childhood is socially constructed as there is no one universal experience of it. Western Idea of Childhood (UK): Children fundamentally different from adults: Physically can psychologically immature, not yet competent to run own lives, in need of protection, need to learn how to be an adult. Pilcher:children are separate from adults

Laws:

Children can’t vote until 18

Restrictions in alcohol consumption

Compulsory education

Products and Services:

Clothes

Leisure (clothes, toys, play areas, books, tv shows)

Food

Lifestyle/Activities:

Playing

Bedtime

Food

Difference in childhood experience

Punch 2001: Bolivia- she found that once children turn five they’re expected to take on work responsibilities in the home and community

Malinowski 1957: Trobriand Islanders (also in Beliefs) – found that they had a tolerant view on children sexuality

Timeline

Historical Changes: Aries 1960- Children were mini adults in the 10^th- 13^th Century (content analysis of paintings)

Late 13^th Century: schools for kids

17^th Century: clothing becoming more separate

18^th Century: beginning of child centred family life

20^th Century: the Century of the Child

Cult of Childhood => society has become obsessed with childhood

Evaluation

+ evidence that childhood is socially constructed

+ Shorter: when there was a large IMR (infant mortality rate) parents wouldn’t attached to kids

-          Pollock: more accurate to argue that childhood was different not non-existent

-          Paintings not always accurate; outdated

19^th – 20^th Century

Laws and Policies:

-          Factory acts in 1800 gradually removed children from the workplaces children became more economically dependent

-          Some laws are specific to children

Children’s Rights:

-          Education

-          Healthcare

-          Protection from abuse

Compulsory Schooling: extended children’s dependence on parents

Decline in Family Size: Less children = greater emotional attachment

Growing interest in Child Development and help: Donzelott (1997) – child development stress that children need supervision and protection.

March of Progress

Donzelott: believes with the interest of child development children must be supervised and protected

Shorter: decrease in IMR

Inequalities between Children:

Ethnicity - Brannen:

15-16 year olds with Asian Parents were more likely that other parents to be strict towards their daughters instead of their sons

Class- Howard: children born in lower class families are more likely to fall behind in school and more susceptible to illness

Gender- Hillman: boys allowed to do more than girls

Like girls have to stay at home whilst boys get to be outside

Between Adults and Children

Gittens: Age Patriarchy

Adults dominate, oppress and control children

Neglect and Abuse (Dark Side of the Family)

-          Malnourishment- lack of food

-          Emotional, physical, sexual, neglect

Control: over children space/time:

Bedroom/bedtime; playroom/activities

their bodies: piercings; clothing and personal products

access to resources:

food, toys, tech, money—influential – at the end of the day the parents get the stuff

Postmodernity:

Jenks: childhood is still separate from adulthood

Postman: childhood is disappearing because children and adults have the same rights…