Sociology Unit 1:Is Childhood Disappearing?

Sociology Unit 1:Is Childhood Disappearing?

1. The Conventional Approach

   • Functionalist & New Right
   • 'March of progress' gets better over time
   • children are more valued, better cared for etc
   • children shaped by society

2. New Right View

   • POSTMAN: childhood is disappearing- children are becoming adults
     • the same rights
     • same TV
       • children can access adult TV
     • same clothing
   • PALMER: Toxic Childhood
     • rapid cultural changes have caused damage to children
       • junk food
       • computer games

3. The Conflict View

   • Marxists & Feminists
   • inequalities among children- some still remain unprotected & uncared for
   • children experience more control,oppression & dependency

4. Feminist View

   • HILLMAN: gender differences between children
     • boys are more likely to be allowed out later
   • FIRESTONE: paid work makes children more dependent

5. Marxist View

   • reserve army of labour
   • children have a culture of 'need' to buy new things
   • help to train and prepare a workforce

6. Child Liberationists

   • need to free children from adult control
     • neglect & abuse
     • control over childrens space(not allowed in shops)
     • control over childrens time
     • control over childrens bodies
   • -However, children cannot make decisions for themselves

7. The Alternative Approach

   • focuses how children interpret the world
   • generalisations cannot be made of the meaning of childhood
   • children influence different things