4.4.1

Childhood

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The Social Construction of Childhood

Evidence supporting the social construction of childhood comes from cross-cultural differences, historical changes and differences within society.

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The sociological perspective

  • Sociologists see childhood as a social construction, created by the social structure and culture, people’s interpretations and dominant social attitudes, norms and traditions.
  • Evidence supporting the social construction of childhood comes from cross-cultural differences, historical changes and differences within society.
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Cross-cultural differences

  • Children in the West experience a freedom from adult responsibilities that is not seen across all societies.
  • In Britain, there is a prolonged period of childhood and adolescence before the transition into adulthood; this is not seen in all societies.
  • In many countries, even very small children are expected to take on adult roles as soon as they are physically able (e.g. factory work or as soldiers).
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Historical changes

  • According to Ariès, in medieval times, childhood did not exist as a separate entity, with children being view as ‘little’ adults’ and an economic asset to the family.
  • Children once went straight from infancy to adult roles and responsibilities.
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‘Childhood’

  • Such changes led to the emergence of the concept of ‘childhood’ as seen in Western societies today, with children lacking in power and dependent on adults.

Differences Between Children in the Same Society

Childhood is not the same for all children and there are inequalities in life chances based on social class, gender and ethnicity.

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Class difference

  • About a quarter of children in the UK live in poverty; poor children suffer from more ill-health and disability and do less well in education.
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Gender difference

  • Girls often have a more restricted and controlled childhood than boys.
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Ethnic difference

  • Different ethnic groups may have different expectations on children and their behaviour.

Jump to other topics

1Theory & Methods

2Education with Methods in Context

3Option 1: Culture & Identity

4Option 1: Families & Households

5Option 1: Health

6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

7Option 2: Beliefs in Society

8Option 2: Global Development

9Option 2: The Media

10Crime & Deviance

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