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Childhood (Toxic Childhood (The idea that some experiences of childhood…
Childhood
Toxic Childhood
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Palmer argues that many changes to childhood are damaging to children.
These include:
Increasing obesity
Alcohol and drug abuse
Increased educational pressure
Child abuse
Sexualisation of children
Lee argues that role of children and adults is becoming blurred within society.
Children are starting to become adults from a young age, specifically young girls.
Lee thinks that this is as a result of children being controlled by the media and the portrayal of celebrities in the media - children exploited by the media.
Changes to the law
1989 Children's Act
Main aim of act improve experiences of childhood in Britainand ensure children protected.
Main focus is welfare of children and parent's responsibilty to their child or children.
Covers behaviour deemed unacceptable towards children and provison of services for children in need.
Every Child Matters 2003
Aim to ensure every child till age 19, has support they need to;
stay safe
be healthy
enjoy and achieve
make a positive contribution
achieve economic well-being
Education Act 1944
Brought about by conservative MP Rab Butler, introduced distinction between primary and secondary schools - free. Financial assistance offered to schools.
Introduction of school meals and milk.
Restructuring of schooling
Cultural differences
Wagg argued that construction of childhood varies across different historical and cultural societies.
Punch found that children growing up in the countryside in Bolivia were given responsibilities and work to perform at the age of 5 - constrasts Western attitudes towards child labour.
Katz found Sudanese Children were given a lot more freedom and were allowed to go exploring and travelling in their local area.
What is childhood?
Childhood is often being referred to as a 'social construct'.
Childhood isn't the same in every society- differences in behaviour/appearance/age/legal status of children in different societies.
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Aries
Children didn't appear until the 15th Century - childhood as we know it today didn't exist.
Children were absorbed into the world of adults at the age of 5/6.
Once children got to an age where they didn't require constant care they were considered mini adults.
Young boys went out to work with their father and grandfather to provide for family.
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Postman
Like Aries, Postman argues that childhood didn't exist in pre-industrial society. Life was communal for adults and children, children weren't protected by adults, seen as equal beings.
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Modern day childhood
Chil centred society- when decisions are made based on a child and they are put first within families and society.
This is considered to be more common nowadays, these types of societies are dound all over.
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Impact laws have had
- Children more protected as result of Children's Act and Every Child Matters.
- Lot of emphasis on position and safety pf children as a result of acts.
- Children are protected in work place, not legally allowed to work until a specific age or for lower than minimun wage for that age.
- Education Act meant lower social classes can get education and recieve financial assistance to better themselves and experiences.
- All children entitled to free education.