Childhood as a social construct

Modern western notion of childhood
1. Children regarded as psychologically and physically immature
2. Require lengthy period of nurturing and socialisation
3. Childhood is a distinct stage separated from adult world
4. Entertainment, clothes, laws etc separated from adults
5. Childhood is a 'golden age' of happiness and innocence
  1. Children must be 'quarantined' from outside world
  2. Different cultures see childhood differently
  3. Society is 'child centered'
Cross-cultural differences in childhood
1. Bolivia - children expected to work from 5; they don't question or hesitate in doing so
2. Africa - young children take on responsibility and work if they believe they are capable
Childhood is not a fixed thing - socially constructed and can change
Historical differences in childhood
1. Aries
  1. Argues that childhood didn't exist in middle ages
  2. Uses art as evidence of his view
  3. Evidence of childhood emerged from 13th Century onwards
    1. Schools specialised in education of young
    2. Church saw children as fragile creatures of God
    3. Growing distinction between clothing in 17th Century
    4. Describes 20th century as 'Century of the child'
2. Children were mini adults; worked shortly after weaning period
3. Same laws, skills, rights and duties as adults
4. Shorter
  1. Higher mortality rates encouraged indifference and neglect towards infants
Reasons for changing position of children
1. Laws restricting child labour - children from economic assess to liabilities
2. 1880 - compulsory schooling
3. Child protection and welfare legislation
4. Children's Rights growth
5. Declining family size and lower infant mortality rates
6. Improving children's health and development
7. Laws and policies specifically for chidren
  1. Age of consent
  2. Drinking age
  3. Driving age

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Childhood as a social construct

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