Explain and briefly evaluate the view that children have more power than parents in family life.
OCR
A Level
2020
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Introduction
This essay will explore the sociological view that children have more power than parents in family life. It will examine various perspectives, including the idea of increasing child-centredness, the influence of consumerism, and the impact of children's rights. This exploration will consider the arguments for and against this assertion, taking into account the varying experiences of childhood across different social contexts.
Arguments for Children's Power
Increasing Child-Centredness
One argument in favour of children holding more power is the increasing child-centredness of contemporary families. This is evident in the shift towards smaller families, more resources being invested in children, and a greater focus on fulfilling their needs and desires. This is often linked to the idea of "helicopter parenting", where parents are intensely involved in their children's lives, perhaps giving them more influence within the family dynamic.
Pester Power and Consumerism
Another argument is the rise of "pester power", where children exert significant influence on family spending through their desires for particular goods and services. This reflects the increasing role of children as consumers, with marketing strategies often targeting them directly. This suggests that children have the power to influence family decisions, particularly those related to spending.
Children's Rights
The growing recognition of children's rights, enshrined in international conventions, has also contributed to the perception of increased child power. These rights encompass areas such as education, healthcare, and protection from harm, giving children legal protection and a stronger voice in matters that directly affect them.
Arguments Against Children's Power
Age Patriarchy
A counter-argument to the view of children's dominance is the concept of "age patriarchy." This perspective emphasizes that adults, regardless of their parental role, generally hold more power within the family due to their greater experience, legal standing, and social expectations. This power imbalance would suggest that the notion of children having more power is a misconception.
Childhood is Disappearing
Neil Postman's theory that childhood is disappearing, with children increasingly exposed to adult content and responsibilities, challenges the idea of child-centredness and power. This perspective suggests that children are becoming more integrated into adult society, potentially eroding their unique position and reducing their perceived power within families.
Postmodern Family Structures
Postmodern perspectives argue that generalized statements about family dynamics are problematic, as families are constantly adapting and evolving. The rise of individualism and negotiated families, where power is shared and negotiated, makes it difficult to claim that children universally hold more power than parents.
The Impact of Social Context
Class
The experience of childhood varies significantly across social classes. For example, research suggests that children from lower-income families often have less access to resources, opportunities, and parental attention, potentially limiting their power within the family dynamic.
Gender
Gender also plays a role in shaping children's power. While some studies may suggest a shift towards more gender-equal family dynamics, it is important to note that traditional gender roles can still influence the power relationships within families. For example, girls may face greater restrictions and expectations than boys, limiting their perceived power.
Ethnicity
Cultural differences also impact children's power within families. For example, Bhatti's research on Asian families suggests that cultural expectations, such as the importance of "izzat" (family honour), can limit children's autonomy and decision-making power. This highlights the need to consider cultural diversity when assessing the power balance within families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while increased child-centredness, consumer power, and children's rights suggest a shift towards greater child influence, the notion of children having more power than parents is debatable. Factors such as age patriarchy, the declining boundaries of childhood, and postmodern family structures challenge this view. The impact of social context, including class, gender, and ethnicity, further complicates the picture. Ultimately, the power dynamics within families are complex and vary significantly, making it difficult to make definitive conclusions.
Do Children Hold More Power Than Parents in Contemporary Family Life?
The assertion that children now hold greater power than their parents within the family structure is a contentious one. While there is evidence to suggest a shift in family dynamics towards increased child-centredness, this does not necessarily equate to children wielding more power. This essay will explore the arguments for and against this view, ultimately concluding that while children may exert influence in certain areas, the concept of them holding more power than parents remains questionable.
Arguments for Increased Child Power
Several factors point towards a perceived increase in children's influence within the family. Firstly, the rise of child-centredness in Western societies has led to children being increasingly treated as individuals with rights and opinions to be respected. This is reflected in legislation such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes children's right to participation and protection from harm. This increased focus on children's needs and desires arguably grants them a greater say in family decisions.
Furthermore, the concept of "pester power" highlights children's growing influence as consumers. Marketing strategies often target children directly, leading them to exert pressure on parents to purchase desired products and experiences. This suggests a form of economic power wielded by children, particularly within affluent societies where disposable income is readily available.
Some argue that Postman's thesis of childhood's disappearance further supports this view. As the lines between childhood and adulthood blur, children are exposed to adult themes and information earlier, potentially leading to a perceived increase in their power and influence.
Challenges to the Notion of Child Power
Despite these arguments, the notion of children holding more power than parents faces significant challenges. Age patriarchy, as coined by Gittins, remains a powerful force in society. Adults, by virtue of their age, experience and legal standing, hold significant power and control over children's lives.
This power imbalance is particularly evident in the economic sphere. Children remain largely financially dependent on their parents, limiting their ability to exert true power. While DWP poverty figures highlight the impact of class on children's lives, even in affluent families, the ultimate control over finances and resources generally resides with the parents.
Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the diversity of childhood experiences. Bhatti's research on Asian families, for instance, highlights the influence of culture in shaping power dynamics within families. Not all children experience the same level of "child-centredness", and cultural norms may dictate stricter hierarchies and less individual autonomy for children.
Finally, the postmodern perspective argues against grand narratives of power shifts within families. Instead, it emphasizes the individualistic and negotiated nature of family relationships. Power dynamics are seen as fluid and contextual, varying between families and even within the same family over time.
Conclusion
While there is evidence to suggest an increase in children's influence within families, the assertion that they now hold more power than parents remains unconvincing. The enduring influence of age patriarchy, coupled with children's economic dependence and the diverse realities of childhood, challenge this notion. While children undoubtedly exert influence in specific areas, the overall power balance within families still largely favors parents. Recognizing the complexity and fluidity of family dynamics is crucial in moving beyond simplistic narratives of power struggles within the family unit.
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AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
Some of the ideas may be used for or against and should be marked dependent on how they are presented (e.g. Bhatti’s study)
- Increasing child-centredness of families.
- Pester power – Children as consumers.
- The right of the child / children’s rights.
- Childhood is disappearing so the statement is losing relevance (Postman)
- Postmodern view – cannot generalise. Rise of individualism and negotiated families.
- Experience of childhood varies by class, gender and ethnicity.
- Class affects how much focus and money is spent on the children (DWP poverty figures)
- Gender – Greater power over female children
- Ethnicity – Some cultures there may be less power for the children Bhatti Asian children and Izzat
- Any other relevant response.
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge should be directly related to the specific question.
AO3: Analysis and Evaluation
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to in evaluation but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
- “Age patriarchy” (adults are more powerful than children and young people);