Has The Position of Children in Society Improved?

Has The Position of Children in Society Improved?

1. March Of Progress: Yes

   • Eg. Child protection has become legal priority and organisations like Childline are well supported. Children Act 1989 which ensures welfare of children in family proceedings, care homes, etc.

2. Feminism: No

   • MOP have rose-tinted view on family life for children and ignore the dark side of family. Eg. In 2007 the number of children registered on child protection register was 27,900 but in 2011 it was 42,700.

3. Marxism: Class Inequalities Among Children

   • Families differ in how far children are the centre of attention. Eg. Middle class families organise a multitude of out-of-school sporting and educational activities for their children, but working class families cannot afford to provide such a life for their children, leaving them to suffer from cultural and physical deprivation.

4. Gittens: Age Patriarchy Between Adults & Children

   • The inequality between adults and children, eg. adults control children's time by enforcing curfews and bedtimes with punishments if not followed. Adults dominate and have total control over children, so children's experiences are oppressive.

5. Hockey & James: Children Act Up or Down to Avoid Oppression of Adults

   • Acting up (acting older) or acting down (acting younger) to avoid oppressive power of an adult.