Sociology Unit 1: Childhood

Sociology Unit 1: Childhood

1. Social Construction

   • created & defined by society,
   • childhood means different things in different cultures & time

2. Pre Industrial

   • ARIES: children were 'little adults'
   • (1960)
   • units of production-7/8 years
   • children had to work in order for family to survive
   • high level of infant mortality
   • children were punished for crimes

3. Post Industrialisation

   • children- attention &protection
   • people chose to have fewer children
   • the role of social services to help children at risk

4. Industrialisation

   • children working in mines & factories
   • infant mortality decreased as better diet and saniation
   • Middle Class began to see children as love

5. Modern Western Idea

   • PILCHER: most important feature is separateness
     • childhood is seen as a distinct light stage- different from adults
   • differences are shown through dress, products & laws
   • golden age of happiness & innocence

6. Reasons For Changes In The Position Of Children

   • laws resticting child labour
   • compulsory schooling
   • minimum wage for drinking etc
   • declining family size