Some sociologists argue that UK society has become more child-centred. Children today are more privileged than they have ever been. There are a large range of laws and policies in place to protect them and there is an increasing emphasis now placed on children’s rights.
However, other sociologists argue that the extent of child-centredness is exaggerated, and that childhood can be a negative experience for some children.Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that UK society has become more child-centred.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Essay Outline: Has UK Society Become More Child-Centred?
This essay will evaluate the view that UK society has become more child-centred. It will consider arguments from both sides, exploring the evidence for and against this claim. Key concepts such as the 'march of progress', 'toxic childhood', and 'age patriarchy' will be discussed.
Introduction
Introduce the debate regarding child-centredness in UK society. Briefly outline the opposing views:
- Child-centredness: UK society has become more child-centred; children are more privileged than ever before due to increased protection, rights, and focus on their well-being.
- Exaggerated Child-centredness: Claims of child-centredness are exaggerated; childhood can be a negative experience for some children due to factors like neglect, abuse, and control.
Arguments for Increasing Child-Centredness
Present evidence supporting the claim that UK society has become more child-centred:
- Policies and Laws: Discuss policies restricting child labour, compulsory education, and child protection and welfare policies. Relate these to the increased emphasis on children's rights, drawing on sources like Pilcher and Bhatti.
- Increased Medical Knowledge: Highlight the growth of medical knowledge around child development and its impact on child-rearing practices and policies. Consider the influence of child psychology and the increasing focus on early childhood development.
- Declining Family Size and Lower Infant Mortality Rate: Link these trends to greater investment in children and the changing nature of family life. Consider the impact on societal attitudes towards children and parental expectations.
- 'March of Progress' Perspective: Explore how the 'march of progress' view sees a positive trajectory for children's lives, with improvements in health, education, and legal protections. Consider examples like the decline in child poverty and the expansion of children's rights.
Arguments Against Exaggerated Child-Centredness
Present evidence challenging the view of UK society being overwhelmingly child-centred:
- Age Patriarchy: Discuss how children remain subject to adult control, with limitations on their autonomy and agency. Consider issues like control over children's time, space, and bodies, drawing on sources like Cunningham and Garber.
- Child Neglect and Abuse: Highlight the persistent realities of child neglect and abuse, demonstrating the failure of societal protection in certain cases. Consider the impact of factors like poverty, family breakdown, and social isolation.
- 'Toxic Childhood': Examine the concept of 'toxic childhood' as presented by Palmer and others, arguing that children face pressures like consumerism, technology, and fast-paced lifestyles, potentially leading to negative impacts on their well-being.
- 'Disappearance of Childhood': Discuss the contrasting view that childhood is being 'disappeared' due to the blurring of boundaries between adults and children. Consider the impact of information overload, early engagement with adult activities, and the commercialisation of childhood.
Evaluation and Conclusion
Evaluate the opposing arguments and provide a balanced conclusion:
- Acknowledge the advancements in child protection and their positive impact on many children's lives.
- Recognize the persistence of inequalities and challenges facing children, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
- Suggest that the concept of 'child-centredness' is complex and requires nuanced understanding, taking into account both progress and persisting inequalities.
- Conclude with your own stance on whether UK society has genuinely become more child-centred, considering the limitations and possibilities associated with this claim.
Additional Points
- Utilize Item D as a source, extracting relevant information to support your arguments.
- Use specific examples from the provided source list to illustrate your points.
- Engage with different sociological perspectives (e.g., functionalist, Marxist, feminist) to provide a more comprehensive analysis.
- Ensure a clear structure, logical flow, and strong evidence to support your arguments.
Has UK Society Truly Become More Child-Centred?
The notion of a "child-centred" society implies a prioritization of children's needs, rights, and wellbeing. While there's compelling evidence to suggest a shift towards this in the UK, the extent and universality of this change are debatable. This essay will evaluate both sides of this argument, drawing on sociological perspectives and evidence.
Evidence for a More Child-Centred UK
Several societal shifts point towards an increased focus on children. The eradication of child labour, coupled with compulsory education laws, demonstrates a commitment to protecting children from exploitation and promoting their development. This signifies a departure from the past, where children were often seen as economic assets.
Additionally, the growth of children's rights, spearheaded by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), has placed legal and moral obligations on states to safeguard children's welfare. This has resulted in a raft of policies in the UK, encompassing child protection, healthcare, and education, all geared towards fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children.
The declining family size, as highlighted by sociologists like Brannen, has also arguably contributed to a more child-centric approach. With fewer siblings to compete with, children in smaller families potentially receive greater parental attention and resources, fostering a more individualistic and child-focused upbringing.
The Limits of Child-Centredness
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the experience of childhood is not universally positive. Despite advancements, child neglect and abuse remain persistent issues within the UK. The work of sociologists such as Bhatti, who documented the abuse faced by children in some South Asian communities, highlights the dark underbelly of family life that persists even in a supposedly child-centred society.
Furthermore, some critics argue that the concept of a "toxic childhood," as proposed by Palmer, holds true for the UK. The increasing commercialization of childhood, coupled with pressures related to academic achievement and social media, can create significant stress and anxiety for children, calling into question the genuine child-centredness of society.
The "disappearance of childhood," as argued by Postman, is another facet of this debate. The blurring of lines between childhood and adulthood, fuelled by access to adult content and the erosion of traditional childhood experiences, suggests that children are not being adequately protected from the complexities of the adult world.
Finally, the argument for increased child-centredness often overlooks the diversity of childhood experiences. Factors such as social class, ethnicity, and family structure significantly influence the quality of a child's life. While some children undoubtedly enjoy a privileged upbringing, others face significant disadvantage, highlighting the fallacy of assuming a homogeneous "childhood" experience in the UK.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the UK has undoubtedly made strides towards becoming more child-centred, it's crucial to recognize the limitations of this progress. While policy changes and societal shifts indicate a greater awareness of children's needs, the persistence of child abuse, the pressures of modern childhood, and the unequal distribution of opportunities remind us that a truly child-centred society remains an aspiration rather than a reality.
Some sociologists argue that UK society has become more child-centred. Children today are more privileged than they have ever been. There are a large range of laws and policies in place to protect them and there is an increasing emphasis now placed on children’s rights.
However, other sociologists argue that the extent of child-centredness is exaggerated, and that childhood can be a negative experience for some children.Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that UK society has become more child-centred.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Concepts and Issues
Concepts and issues such as the following may appear:
- policies restricting child labour;
- exclusion of children from paid work;
- compulsory education;
- growth of children’s rights;
- declining family size;
- lower infant mortality rate;
- increased medical knowledge around child development;
- child protection and welfare policies;
- age patriarchy;
- child neglect and abuse;
- control over children’s space, time and bodies;
- information hierarchy;
- toxic childhood;
- disappearance of childhood;
- impact of divorce;
- march of progress;
- conflict view.
Sources
Sources may include the following or other relevant ones:
- Ariés;
- Bhatti;
- Bonke;
- Brannen;
- Cunningham;
- Firestone and Holt;
- Garber;
- Gittins;
- Howard;
- Jenks;
- Opie;
- Palmer;
- Pilcher;
- Postman;
- Rees;
- Wagg;
- Womack.