Childhood

Childhood Definition A State, which is both socially, and biologically constructed

The period of time where a person has not yet reached adult statusArguments Arguments as to whether it is biologically constructed or socially constructedArguments as to whether it is historically constructed or notArguments that childhood is culturally specific

BiologicallyFunctionalists argue that childhood should be explained in a biological senseChildren have and always will be passive

Socially ConstructedInteractionist argue that society makes up our idea of childhood Childhood is dependent on time and culture you are inTypes of acceptable behaviour, length and how children should be treated are all evidence of this

Historical ArgumentsAries 62 childhood did not exist in medieval EuropeUsed diaries, letters, other documents and paintings of the time to emphasis thisChildren were depicted as little adults, involved in adult activities such as sex, fighting and workAries ContThe emergence of the modern child:Began in 16th century with Upper Classes and educationWorking classes still involved in child labourEarly industrialisation saw children in factories etc19th century introduction of various laws stopped thisFletcherIntroduction of laws stopped children being treated as adultsFactory Acts prevented children from a certain age workingEducation Acts ensured children up to a certain age were educated20th century childhood now applies to all classesAlways been aroundPollack used diaries between 16th and 20th century. Found childhood did exist because children were subject to physical and emotional abuseCunningham Renaissance art portrayed children as innocentsFunctionalists and Psychologists mental and physical developments should play a key part

Contemporary Cross-Cultural DifferencesEidenstadt: Childhood is socially constructed and therefore culturally specificBilton childhood is experienced differently in the Western world compared to the East.Western world has childhood, Eastern world still sees children working in factories

Evidence Cont.Malinowski Trobriand Island children are much freer sexuallyTurnbull The Mountain People similar to Ik tribe, children could survive even when abandonedFirth Tikopia Island Tribe carried out dangerous tasks when they/adults felt they were readyDecline of Childhood?Lee 20th century notion of childhood was that of unstable and incomplete humans.Move to 21st century no longer complete when we reach adulthood, still sense of uncertaintyAdults are becoming more like childrenChildren have increased rights children have more say over what happens to them

Postman Notion of childhood has disappearedChildhood can only occur if they are separated from adultsMerging of roles, children have rights, access to same levels of mediaBoundaries have blurred

Childhood is still hereChildhood is a long way from disappearingNow a major economic force clothes, toys, food etcBuckingham children have a major say on what is produced and purchasedLee not disappeared become more complex and ambiguousAlthough can have a say what they want, they are still dependent on parents purchasing power