Notes on the “Childhood” topic for AQA Sociology. Comprehensive but concise summary of the topic includint theories, key terms and theorists, as well as contemporary examples for your exams!
Key terms Childhood as a social construct
Quotes childhood differs between time/place/culture — defined by
Definitions society
Sociologists
Important modern western notion of childhood
B/I/H: subheading we accept that childhood is a separate time of life, children
are different to adults
Bold: important
point in description immature and incompetent to run own life
Underline: don’t give kids lengthy period of nurture/socialisation before
forget this! being part of adult society
💡 Pilcher (1995) : Most important part of modern idea
of childhood is separateness
Distinct/clear life stage, occupies separate status
from adults in society
laws regulating childrens lives — what they can/cant do
difference in culture — dress, toys, food, books,
entertainment
‘golden age’ of innocence — vulnerable, needing protection
childhood 1
, life is within the family/education mostly
protected by adults, provided for, not in paid work
lives of leisure/play
separate age status of UK childhood not universal
💡 Wagg (1992) : Not all cultures view stages of
development e.g. childhood differently; childhood is
unnatural
cross-cultural differences in childhood
💡 Benedict (1934) : Children in non-industrial society
are treated differently—
take responsibility earlier — e.g. children in
rural Bolivia work from 5yo, in Samoa parents
don’t object to children taking on a task
less value on child-adult obedience
view child sexual behaviour differently —
‘tolerance and amused interest’ towards
childrens sexual exploration
less division between expected behaviour of children vs
adults
shows childhood differs between cultures
globalisation of western childhood
notions of western childhood have been globalised — imposing
norms of western family via international humanitarian agencies
childhood 2
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