The Social Construction of childhood

Mayall (1994, 2002) argues that children should be studied because they have an expressive and instrumental role in families. They may support their parents, they make relationships and they often take care of younger siblings or older people. Hey (1997), in a study of girl's friendships, points out that girls can be supportive and sharing but they also ***** and fall out and exclude others from their social networks.  Frosh (2002) studied boys and how they constructed masculinity, finding out that being manly prevented boys from discussing or managing emotions.

Pilcher (1995) said that a key feature of modern childhood is that it is seen as separate and special. It is even argued that British society has become child centred . As parents have fewer children, most of whom they can expect to reach adulthood, they invest more time and energy in their children. Children have consumer goods and government services. Laws protect them, doctors look after their emotional and…