“childhood is a social construction”

1. “childhood is a social construction”

2. Social construction? • Means that the important characteristics of something, such as childhood, health and other forms of deviance are created and influenced by the attitudes, actions and interpretations of members of society. NOTE. Societies are individual in the way they have different social constructions, childhood is a important feature in some societies but doesn't really exist in others.

3. “Childhood” in contemporary western society • In contemporary Britain and in most western societies people take it for granted that children are different from adults. Children are viewed as innocent and vulnerable who need protecting from the dangers of the adult world. We view childhood as a completely different period of time away from the adult life. As a result adults have to a extent constructed a “separate world” for children in the way... • Children are protected from adult dangers by laws (e.g. Negligence) • They have cheaper travel and special foods, clothes, toys • Special areas designed only for children (e.g. Indoor play areas) • Special arrangements made for them by the state like schools and child benefits. We design theses features to protect children in their best interest as a result of children’s “natural biological immaturity”, adults construct childhood

4. HOWEVER!!! • Sociologists argue that the identity and status of children, and childhood as a separate phase of life have been created by society and social attitudes and are not set by “biological immaturity” • They argue that childhood is a “social construction”

5. Childhood“Construction” rather than “natural” • There is evidence supporting the idea that childhood is a social construction opposed to a natural product of biological immaturity (society creates childhood, rather then it being a biological product and hence non universal) • View of nature of children and childhood has changed through history in way of status, responsibilities and treatment • The difference between children's status and others factors even in the same society • The difference between children's status and others factors even in the same society The differing status, responsibilities and treatment of children in different culture

6. 1.How history has effected the social construction of childhood (Britain) The social construction of childhood as being the separate phase of life as we know today is a relatively modern development. It has developed and changed along with the building of development and change in our societies views and attitudes. Just further proof that our childhood is a “social construction” Childhood experience in pre-industrial society • Children viewed as ‘tiny adults’ – no real difference between children and adults. (Philippe Aries 1973) • Children worked from a young age and were viewed as economic assets – means of bringing in money and supporting the family. • Children joined in similar leisure activities to adults and could be punished for criminal offences. • No real distinction between childhood and adulthood during this period EarlyIndustrial Period and Childhood • Children during this time worked alongside adults. • Working class children in particular continued to work in the factories, mines and mills. • However, advances in public health and medicine led to a decline in the infant mortality rate amongst the middle classes. • This led to a change in attitudes amongst the middle classes to how children were viewed

7. 1.How history has effected the social construction of childhood (Britain) Later Industrial Period and Childhood • Mid 19th century Factory/Mine acts meant children were no longer able to work. • Children no longer economic assets. • 1870 Education Act – Children need to be supported. • Further advances in sanitation and medicine meant a decline in the infant mortality rate amongst the working class. • This led to a decline in the birth rate – couples had fewer children, because the children they had were more likely to survive. Also, children no longer economic assets. • This led to a change in attitudes towards children – children came to be seen as different to adults and in need of love, care and support. 20th Century • Child centred society – Children are viewed differently to adults and are viewed as in need of support and protection. Society is geared towards putting the interests of children first. • Childhood has come to be seen as a separate category from adulthood. • Children’s toys, clothes, programmes, books, foods etc -

8. 2. Differences between children in the same society • Its a fact that the concept and experience of childhood are not the same even in the same society. In contemporary Britain different stratified features like social class, ethnicity, and gender mean that not all children have the same experiences in childhood. • Around 29% of children in Britain in 2005-6 were living in officially defined poverty. • Asian girls will often have a different and much restricted childhood than boys. • Low income parents can force their children into jobs as soon as possible (paper round) in order to supplement not getting pocket money or in some cases to contribute to the family income

9. 3. Cross-cultural differences in childhood • Looking at childhood from a cross-cultural perspective gives you a much more diverse varieties of childhoods across the world. The freedom and detachment from adult responsibilities that's experienced from children in a western societies is not found in all societies • In developing countries the more simpler societies the period of childhood and adolescence before adulthood does not even exist. Children take on adult roles as soon as physically possible with taking on adult working roles and even roles of armed soldiers to ensure the economic survival of the family • (www.child-soldiers.com) suggested that between 2001-2004 child soldiers were involved in conflict in 27 countries around the world. With children being brutalized and killed. • There is seen to be no social construction for childhood

10. 3. Cross-cultural differences in childhood (child labour) • Taking child labour for example it does not happen to the extent in western societies as in other societies because of this social construction of childhood we have, we do not view child labour within the foundations of our construction. Therefore when child labour is expressed in our society could it be argued that we look at it in more of a non-existant light hearted way • opposed to the harsh reality of other cultures and societies.....so how do you view it? • Light hearted http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79ExPPqGY4I • Harsh reality http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4CWtFzj0Po&feature=PlayList&p=4AD1C01633218A7B&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=29