Flashcards on Childhood (4.2)

Which sociologist stated that the modern western concept of childhood is not universal, but is instead a social construct?

How does modern western society view childhood and children?

What does Jane Pilcher argue to be the most important feature of the modern concept of childhood?

How is separateness emphasised?

Modern western society views childhood as a 'golden age' of happiness and innocence. However, how does this view have a negative impact on children?

Wagg takes a 'comparative approach' when considering whether childhood is a social construct. What is meant by this?

Ruth Benedict argues that children in developing countries are generally treated differently from modern western children in three major ways. What are these?

Some sociologists argue that the modern western notions of childhood are being globalised. What evidence can they use?

The position of children differs over time, as well as between societies. Many sociologists argue that childhood as we know it is a relatively recent invention. What does Philippe Aries argue?

In the middle ages, parental attitudes were also very different to those we see today, arguably due to the high IMR. Which sociologist pointed this out?

Elements of the modern notion of childhood began to emerge around the 13th century. What examples does Aries list?

What does Aries mean by 'cult of childhood'?

How does Linda Pollock respond to Aries' claim?

There are many reasons for the changes in the position of children. Give examples.

As a social construct, the meaning of childhood has changed over time. Furthermore, it will continue to change in the future. Which sociologist claimed that childhood is 'disappearing at a dazzling speed'?

What does Postman argue caused the modern concept of childhood?

What does Postman say print culture caused?

What does Postman say television culture did to this information hierarchy?

Which sociologist disagrees with this view?

What is the flaw with Postman's research?

What does Christopher Jenks say about modern society's view of childhood?

What does Jenks say is happening to modern society's concept of childhood now?

In postmodern society, relationships are much less stable. This has created a feeling of insecurity, and an adult's relationship with their child now has much more significance. Why has the had a negative impact on children?

Evidence both for and against Jenks is limited. What have studies shown as evidence for, but why can these studies be dismissed as unreliable?

What can Jenks be criticised of?

As a social construct, childhood varies between times, places and cultures. These differences raise the question of whether the position of children has improved, or worsened. What do march of progress thinkers believe?

Which thinkers have the march of progress viewpoint of childhood?

What do march of progress thinks say about the family's attitude towards children?

Sue Palmer disagrees with march of progress thinkers. What does she claim has developed in today's society?

UK youth have above average rates of what?

Conflict sociologists also disagree with the march of progress view that children's status has improved. The believe the march of progress view ignores which two important inequalities?

What is meant by inequalities among children?

What is meant by inequalities between children and adults?

March of progress thinkers believe adults use this power to benefit children, but child liberationists disagree. What do child liberationists argue?

How do adults control children's space?

How do adults control children's time?

How do adults control children's bodies?

How do adults control children's access to resources?

Who argued that children are victims of 'age patriarchy'?

Evidence that children experience childhood as oppressive can be seen in what?

What do critics of child liberationists say?

Child liberationists are critical of the 'adultist viewpoint'. What is this?

Opposite to the adultist viewpoint, how does the new sociology of childhood view children?