* Explain and briefly evaluate the view that childhood has changed.
OCR
A Level
2021
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Introduction
This essay will explore the view that childhood has changed, examining key factors and perspectives that have shaped this transformation. It will consider the arguments of prominent sociologists such as Aries and Palmer, as well as the impact of social policy, technology, and economic changes. The essay will also critically evaluate the claim, acknowledging that childhood experiences can vary greatly based on social class, cultural contexts, and individual circumstances.
The Social Construction of Childhood
Aries' Argument
Philippe Aries, in his seminal work "Centuries of Childhood," argued that the concept of childhood is a relatively modern invention. He highlighted the historical blurring of boundaries between children and adults, where young people were expected to participate in adult activities at an early age. Aries argued that the emergence of distinct childhood as a separate life stage emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries, facilitated by factors such as increased literacy, urbanization, and the rise of formal education.
The Changing Role of Children in Society
Aries' theory is supported by historical evidence. In pre-industrial societies, children were seen as miniature adults, contributing to family labor and the economy. As societies industrialized and transitioned to a more formal, specialized workforce, the concept of childhood shifted. Children were increasingly seen as vulnerable and needing protection from adult work and responsibility. This shift was facilitated by the introduction of compulsory education, child labor laws, and the development of childhood-specific institutions like schools and playgrounds.
Key Factors Contributing to Childhood Change
Changes in Working Practices
The decline of child labor and the emergence of specialized workforces led to the separation of children from the adult world of work. This allowed for a greater focus on education and leisure, shaping a distinct childhood experience.
Smaller Families
Smaller families have resulted in increased attention and financial resources being devoted to each child. This, in turn, has led to a prolonged childhood, marked by increased investment in their well-being and development.
Extension of Education
Compulsory education, now extended to age 18 in many countries, has further contributed to the lengthening of childhood and the creation of a separate stage of life for children.
Social Policy and Child Welfare
Modern societies have implemented policies and regulations designed to protect and promote child welfare. This has created a legal framework that enshrines children's rights and prioritizes their care and well-being, further shaping the concept of childhood.
Child-Centred Families
Families have increasingly become child-centered, prioritizing children's needs and interests. This shift contributes to the perception of childhood as a period of innocence and play, rather than a period of adult responsibilities.
Children's Rights
The emergence of children's rights movements has further contributed to the distinct recognition of childhood as a period of unique needs and rights. These movements emphasize the importance of protecting children from exploitation and ensuring their access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The Rise of Expertise
The development of professional fields like child psychology and pediatrics has contributed to the perception of childhood as a period requiring specialized knowledge and care. This has led to a greater emphasis on child development, socialization, and well-being within societies.
Children as Consumers
The rise of a consumer market specifically aimed at children, known as "childhood capitalism," has contributed to extending childhood. Businesses target children as consumers, creating a demand for toys, media, and other products specifically designed for their age group, leading to a prolonged period of childhood.
Evaluating the View of Childhood Change
Not All Childhoods Have Changed
It is important to acknowledge that the experiences of childhood can vary significantly based on social class, cultural contexts, and individual circumstances. In some communities, children still contribute to family labor, particularly in developing countries or rural settings. The experience of childhood can also differ for children subjected to poverty, war, or other forms of hardship. The "universal" notion of childhood change must be understood within the context of these diverse realities.
Persisting Legal Definitions and Laws
While the perception of childhood has evolved, certain legal definitions and laws surrounding childhood have remained consistent for decades. For example, the age of criminal responsibility and compulsory education laws have persisted in many countries, suggesting that some aspects of childhood remain relatively stable.
Social Class and Childhood Experiences
Social class influences the experiences of childhood. Children from working-class backgrounds may not have the same access to resources, opportunities, and experiences as their middle-class counterparts. This highlights the importance of considering the social context when assessing the changes in childhood.
Parenting Styles and Childhood Experiences
Some argue that modern childhood has not changed substantially, but rather that parenting styles have evolved. McCarthy, for example, posits that while children are still subject to parental control, the nature of that control has shifted, emphasizing negotiating relationships rather than strict obedience. This perspective suggests that childhood, as a social construct, continues to be shaped by the parent-child relationship, though the dynamics of this relationship may be evolving.
Separation of Children from the Adult World
Aries, in his analysis of "modern childhood," argued that children are increasingly separated from the adult world through the institutions of education and leisure activities. While this separation has contributed to the distinct experience of childhood, it also highlights the potential for childhood to become overly protected and lacking real-world experiences.
Age Patriarchy and Childhood
Despite the advancements in children's rights and societal recognition of their needs, children remain subject to adult control and authority. The concept of "age patriarchy," where adults hold power over children, persists in many social contexts. This suggests that the transformation of childhood must be understood within the broader context of power dynamics and social hierarchies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the view that childhood has changed is supported by a wealth of historical and sociological evidence. Factors such as changing work practices, smaller families, the expansion of education, and the rise of child welfare policies have contributed to the emergence of a distinct childhood stage with its own unique characteristics. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexities of childhood experiences, which are shaped by social class, cultural contexts, and individual circumstances. While childhood has evolved significantly, the concept of age patriarchy and the potential for childhood to become overly protected remain important considerations in understanding the ongoing development of this important life stage.
Explain and Briefly Evaluate the View That Childhood Has Changed.
Childhood, understood as a distinct stage of life separate from adulthood, is not a universal or timeless concept. Sociologists argue that it is socially constructed, meaning it varies across time and place depending on societal norms and values. The view that childhood has changed is widely accepted within sociology, with evidence pointing towards significant shifts in the experiences and perceptions of children over the last century.
A key proponent of this view is historian Philippe Ariès, who argued that in pre-industrial Europe, childhood as we know it did not exist. Children were seen as "little adults", integrated into adult life and expected to contribute economically to the family. Industrialisation brought about changes in working practices, with children gradually excluded from the workforce and laws introduced mandating compulsory education. This separation from the adult world became a defining feature of modern childhood.
Several interconnected factors have contributed to the changing landscape of childhood. Smaller family sizes and increased affluence in the West have meant more resources and attention are devoted to individual children. Social policy, particularly the rise of child welfare legislation, further reinforced the vulnerability of children and the need for protection. This is exemplified by the extension of compulsory education and training to the age of 18 in many developed countries.
Furthermore, families have become increasingly child-centred. The rise of ‘intensive parenting’ emphasizes emotional investment and prioritising the child’s needs and development. This is linked to the growing influence of experts in fields like psychology and child development, propagating the idea that children require prolonged nurturing and guidance to reach their full potential.
The emergence of a powerful consumer market targeting children, often exploiting "pester power," further blurs the lines between childhood and adulthood. Children, as "digital natives" (Prensky), often surpass adults in their technological proficiency, challenging traditional power dynamics.
Evaluations of Changing Childhood
While significant transformations have undoubtedly occurred, it's crucial to recognize that the experience of childhood remains diverse and unequal. Not all children enjoy the idyllic, protected upbringing often presented as the norm. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds may face poverty, limited opportunities, and pressure to contribute economically to their families. The notion of a universal, homogenous childhood is therefore problematic.
Critics like Frank Furedi argue that the emphasis on protecting children from risk has gone too far, creating a generation overly dependent and ill-equipped for the challenges of adulthood. He argues that children need opportunities for risk-taking and independent exploration to develop resilience. Similarly, Cunningham suggests that the pressure on children to achieve academically and socially can be detrimental to their well-being.
Some sociologists propose that while parenting styles have changed, the fundamental power dynamics between adults and children remain largely intact. McCarthy, for example, argues that the concept of "age patriarchy" persists, with adults retaining significant control over children's lives despite evolving parenting practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the claim that childhood has changed holds considerable weight, it's essential to approach this view with nuance. While significant shifts in social, economic, and cultural factors have reshaped children's experiences, it's crucial to acknowledge the persistent inequalities and diverse realities of childhood in contemporary society. The debate surrounding the evolving nature of childhood remains complex and demands ongoing critical examination.
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Possible Factors/Evidence
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
- Changes in working practices – children no longer expected to work with the family (Stone)
- Social construction of childhood - Aries
- Smaller families so more attention and financial resources to one individual child over a longer period of time
- Changes with the extension of education – now compulsory to be in education or training until 18
- Social Policy – greater emphasis on child welfare that enshrines that care for children up to the age of 18
- Families have become more child-centred
- Children’s rights – giving priorities to children
- Rise of experts and the notion that children have a lot more to learn in becoming an adult
- Children as consumers – there is a consumer market aimed at children so it is in business’s interests to extend childhood – link to pester power
- Palmer - Toxic Childhood – childhood has changed for the worse and is detrimental to children’s health
- Mental health and concerns about children – becoming an adult too early can be damaging for children – link to Furedi, Cunningham
- Children as digital natives and being the experts over adults in the digital world - Prensky
- Any other reasonable response
The selected knowledge should be directly related to the specific question.
Evaluation
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to in evaluation but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
- Not all childhoods have changed e.g. some children are expected to be carers or work in the family business
- Some legal definitions and laws surrounding childhood have persisted for decades e.g. compulsory education therefore Laws keep childhood the same
- Social class – experiences of childhood could be considered the same for certain classes e.g. working class children may have not had access to certain resources
- Childhood has stayed the same but parenting has changed – McCarthy
- Children separated from adult world through education – Aries – modern childhood
- Children still subject to parental control – age patriarchy
- Any other reasonable response