* OPTION 1 – Families and relationships
Outline two ways in which families are becoming more "child centred" Illustrate your answer with examples.
OCR
A Level
2024
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**Outline: Two Ways Families Are Becoming More Child-Centred**
This essay will explore two key ways in which families are becoming more child-centred: the emergence of a "modern" childhood and the increasing influence of children as consumers.
**1. The Emergence of "Modern" Childhood**
This section will argue that the emergence of a distinct "modern" childhood has contributed significantly to families becoming more child-centred.
a. The Social Construction of Childhood
Introduce the concept of childhood as a social construct, meaning that it is not inherent but shaped by societal norms and beliefs. This sets the stage for understanding how childhood has evolved throughout history.
b. The "Modern" Childhood: A Shift in Perspective
Discuss the historical shift from pre-industrial societies where children were seen as mini-adults to the concept of a distinct "modern" childhood characterized by:
- Innocence and Dependency: Children are viewed as vulnerable and in need of protection.
- Extended Period of Education and Play: Childhood is a time for learning and developing skills, not immediate work.
- Special Rights and Protection: Children are given legal and social protections, reflected in laws and policies.
c. Evidence of Increased Child-Centrism:
Provide specific evidence of how this shift has made families more child-centred:
- Increased Proportion of Adult Income Spent on Children: Families allocate a larger share of their resources towards children's needs (e.g., education, entertainment, healthcare).
- Pester Power: Children's desires and demands exert a significant influence on family spending and purchasing decisions.
- Furedi's "Perceived Risks" to Children: Discuss Anthony Furedi's argument that the focus on children's safety and well-being has created a culture of fear, potentially leading to overprotective parenting.
- King and Raynor's Research: Mention King and Raynor's findings that middle-class families are increasingly centred around children's activities and aspirations.
- Intimate Fathering (Dermott): Analyze Dermott's concept of "intimate fathering," which emphasizes fathers' active involvement in child care and emotional connection.
- Social Changes: Link these changes to broader social trends:
- Smaller Families: More resources per child.
- Reduction in Working Hours: More time for parenting.
- Greater Affluence: Increased spending power for children's needs.
- Extension of Education: Children are in school for longer, justifying investments in their development.
**2. Children as Consumers**
This section will examine the growing prominence of children as a powerful force in consumer culture, further contributing to family's child-centred focus.
a. Social Policy and Children's Rights:
Highlight how social policy and legislation have increasingly emphasized child welfare and rights.
- Greater Emphasis on Child Welfare: Policies and institutions prioritize children's well-being.
- Emergence of Children's Rights Legislation: Laws safeguarding children's rights and protecting them from abuse and neglect have become more prominent.
- Increase of Child "Experts": Professional groups like psychologists and educators have emerged, offering guidance and advice on child development and parenting.
b. Children as Consumers: Marketing and Influence:
Analyze how children are increasingly targeted by advertisers and marketers, becoming a significant consumer market.
- Marketing Strategies: Discuss the specific strategies used to appeal to children's preferences and influence their purchasing decisions.
- Pester Power Revisited: Emphasize how children's influence on family spending has multiplied due to targeted marketing.
- Marxist/Postmodernist Perspectives: Briefly mention how Marxist or Postmodernist theories might view this phenomenon, e.g., children as manipulated by capitalist forces or being active agents in constructing their own identities.
**Conclusion**
Summarize the main arguments, highlighting how both the "modern" childhood and the growing recognition of children as consumers contribute to families becoming more child-centred. Acknowledge any limitations or alternative perspectives to provide a balanced conclusion.
Outline two ways in which families are becoming more "child centred" Illustrate your answer with examples.
The notion of childhood as a distinct life stage, separate from adulthood, is a relatively recent social construct. Over the past century, Western societies have witnessed a shift towards increasingly "child-centred" families, where the needs and desires of children are prioritised. This essay will outline two key ways in which this shift has manifested: the rise of intensive parenting and the influence of consumer culture on children.
1. The Rise of Intensive Parenting
One significant way families have become more child-centred is through the rise of "intensive parenting". This approach, often associated with the middle class (King and Raynor), emphasizes the constant and active involvement of parents in their children's lives, fostering their development across various domains. Parents are encouraged to invest significant time, energy, and resources in activities like educational play, extracurricular activities, and carefully curated social interactions.
This shift can be linked to several factors. Smaller family sizes, compared to previous generations, allow parents to dedicate more individual attention to each child. The increase in adult income, coupled with the reduction in working hours for some demographics, provides greater economic flexibility to invest in child-centric goods and experiences. Additionally, heightened awareness of perceived risks to children (Furedi) encourages parents to closely supervise and safeguard their children, further contributing to intensive parenting practices.
2. The Influence of Consumer Culture
Another way families have become more child-centred is through the growing influence of consumer culture on children. Children are increasingly recognized as a distinct consumer demographic, with significant spending power ("pester power") and influence over family purchases. This has led to a proliferation of child-specific goods and services, from toys and clothing to entertainment and technology.
This phenomenon can be analyzed through a Marxist lens, where children are seen as a key target for capitalist exploitation. By creating and marketing products directly to children, companies fuel consumerist desires and encourage parents to engage in "affluenza" – the continuous acquisition of goods for their children. This feeds into a cycle where children's happiness is increasingly associated with material possessions and experiences.
Furthermore, the emergence of children's rights legislation and the increasing recognition of children as individuals with agency has contributed to their greater influence within the family. Parents are more likely to consider their children's opinions and preferences when making decisions, further emphasizing the child-centric nature of contemporary families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shift towards more child-centred families is a complex phenomenon driven by various social, economic, and cultural factors. The rise of intensive parenting and the influence of consumer culture are two significant manifestations of this trend. While these changes reflect positive developments in recognizing children's needs and rights, they also raise concerns about the pressures on parents, the potential for consumerism to overshadow genuine connection, and the widening gap between different parenting styles based on socioeconomic factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of these evolving family dynamics.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
The Social Construction of Childhood
The concept of childhood is not fixed or universal, but rather a social construct that varies across cultures and time periods. This means that childhood is shaped by the beliefs, values, and practices of a particular society.
The Emergence of "Modern" Childhood
The idea of childhood as a distinct stage of life emerged in the West during the 17th and 18th centuries. This was partly due to factors such as the rise of industrialization, increased literacy, and the development of new concepts of childhood innocence and the need for formal education.
Increased Proportion of Adult Income Spent on Children
In modern societies, a significant portion of adult income is allocated to children's needs, including education, healthcare, and entertainment. This trend has led to increased focus on children's well-being and consumption.
Pester Power
Children's influence on family spending has been termed "pester power," where they use their influence to convince parents to buy them specific products or services. This highlights the growing role of children in the consumer market.
Furedi - Perceived Risks to Children
Sociologist Frank Furedi argues that contemporary societies have become increasingly preoccupied with perceived risks to children, leading to a culture of "childhood anxieties." This can result in overprotective parenting and restrictions on children's autonomy.
King and Raynor - Middle Class Becoming Evermore Child-Centred
Sociologists Anthony King and Peter Raynor suggest that the middle class has become increasingly child-centred, with parents prioritising their children's well-being and development above other aspects of their lives.
Intimate Fathering (e.g. Dermott)
The concept of "intimate fathering," as proposed by sociologist John Dermott, suggests a shift towards a more involved and emotionally engaged role for fathers in child-rearing. This has contributed to changing gender roles within families.
Social Changes Leading to Increased Child Centeredness
Several social changes have contributed to greater child-centeredness in modern societies, including:
- Smaller families: Families have fewer children, leading to more attention and resources per child.
- Reduction in working hours: Parents have more time to spend with their children.
- Greater affluence: Increased wealth allows for more investment in children's education, healthcare, and leisure activities.
- Extension of education: Children are spending more years in education, contributing to their perceived status as dependent and vulnerable.
Social Policy Examples - Greater Emphasis to Child Welfare
Social policies, such as compulsory education, child protection legislation, and welfare programs, reflect a growing emphasis on the well-being of children.
Emergence of Children's Rights Legislation
The emergence of international and national legislation specific to children's rights, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, reflects a growing recognition of children's unique needs and rights.
Increase of Child "Experts"
The field of child development has witnessed a significant increase in experts, such as psychologists, educators, and social workers, who specialize in understanding children and providing guidance for their well-being.
Children as Consumers (Link to Marxism or Postmodernism)
From a Marxist perspective, children are increasingly seen as a market force, with companies targeting them as consumers. This can be linked to postmodernism's emphasis on consumption and the commodification of childhood.
AO2: Application
To apply this knowledge to a specific question, consider:
- How do these factors relate to the question's specific context?
- What evidence can be used to support the claims?
- What are the potential implications of these trends for children, families, and society?
- Are there any alternative perspectives or criticisms to consider?