1. 1
AS Families and Households: Childhood
KEY WORDS
Social Construction/ Child Centredness/Pester Power/ Social Blurring/Toxic Childhood
KEY NAMES
Aries (1962) , Berger and Berger (1983), Charles Murray, Melanie
Phillips (1997), Nick Lee (2001), Morrow (1998), Neil Postman (1983),
Sue Palmer (2006), Frank Furedi (2001)
KEY IDEA 1 - CHILDHOOD IS SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED
Childhood can be seen as a SOCIAL CONSTRUCT, SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION
basically meaning that it is defined by society and is Something that is created by
not a natural or biological state. Childhood is shaped, society, constructed from social
and given meaning by our culture, therefore behaviour meanings and definitions.
seen as appropriate for children, the way children
should be treated, and the time at which childhood should end, are all socially constructed.
Evidence to support the social construction of childhood can be found in 3 places.
1. When you consider the status of children across different cultures
2. The differing experience of childhood within the UK
3. Historical experience of childhood
Make notes on the example your group has been given/ video clip/book
Different Culture: How does it compare with childhood in UK?
How does childhood vary in the UK? (page 164 Browne for stats)
Conclusion - Childhood isn’t a ‘natural’ state, because if it were, then childhood would
beHistorical Experience of Childhood: How and these has changed over time. childhood
the same for all children everywhere childhood examples illustrate how
varies cross culturally and in the UK.

2. 2
Philippe Aries (1962): Centuries of Childhood:
One of the major contributions to a social science perspective on childhood is
provided in the work of the French social historian Philippe Aries (1960s).
Using page 30 of Napier Press, make notes Aries views
- Middle Ages
- The emergence of modern childhood:
How did Aries find out about childhood in the middle ages ?
What research methods did he use ?
1. Secondary sources 2. Paintings and works of art of the time
In paintings children appeared mini adults, children have been drawn in a
similar way to adults just on a smaller scale. The paintings show children and
adults dressed in the same clothing and working and playing together.
What problems might there be in using evidence such as paintings and diaries,
as Aries does, to understand childhood or family life in the past?
Aries has been criticised for underestimating the difference between adults and
children in Medieval Europe. For example, laws did exist that prohibited the
under 12’s getting married. However, many historians support Aries’ views.
Homework Task
Sociology Review Article: ‘Social Construction of Childhood’.
Using 3 pieces of historical evidence from the article, ‘Explain how childhood is socially
constructed’. – HAS THE POSITION OF CHILDREN IMPROVED OR WORSENED
KEY IDEA 2
Explain in detail 3 ways in which childhood has improved over time. E.g. Education
You can bullet point the reasons but must link to the Questions. 1x A4 minimum

3. 3
KEY IDEA 2 –HAS CHILDHOOD IMPROVED OR WORSENED?
IMPROVED - The March of Progress view argues that over the past few centuries
the position of children in western societies has been steadily improving – evidence for this
was seen in the article. Writers such as Aries argued that today’s children are more valued,
better cared for, protected and educated, enjoy better health care and have more rights than
those of previous generations.
Examples of March of Progress – use page 32 to make notes on the following
PROTECTION FROM
HARM AND
EXPLOITATION
HIGHER STANDARDS OF
LIVING
CHILD- CENTRED
SOCIETY
Child Centredness
The 20th century saw the emergence of a child-centred society (where things revolve around
children). This was probably the result of improved standards of living and nutrition in the
late 19th century, which led to a major decline in the infant mortality rate. The higher standard
of living also meant that having children became more expensive. The increased availability
and efficiency of contraception, allowed people to choose to have fewer children and
consequently, parents were able to invest more in the fewer children they had in terms of
love, socialisation and protection – SOCIETY BECAME CHILD CENTRED where the
wishes and desires of children are often put before the adults own choices.
REASONS FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF
CHILD CENTREDNESS
Using the Browne Textbook,
Page 165 make detailed
notes on 3 of these reasons
for child centeredness
1.
2
3.

4. 4
Theory Link - The Rise Child- Centredness
Brigette and Peter Berger (1983) argue that the origin
of the traditional nuclear family lies in the development TASK – Put together an
account of child centredness
of the middle classes in 19th century Europe. A key in modern society. Make a list
feature of this type of family is the way in which it of all the ways in which we
treated children – it was ‘child centred’ because the exhibit child centredness,
decrease in infant mortality rate meant that children showing the amount of time,
became an ever present feature of the household. They money and effort we pit into
were seen as in need of protection and care, emotional doing ‘our best’ for our
children and protecting them
comfort, moral upbringing and discipline.
Since that time children have increasingly become the focus of family life. We
have developed to a point where ‘child – centredness’ is an acceptable, even
expected, part of family life.
LIST
COUNTER ARGUMENT: CHILDHOOD HAS WORSENED
Functionalism and the New Right
Functionalists and The New Right both emphasise the key role the family ought
to play in socialising children into the shared norms and values of society. They
both express concern that any alternative to the nuclear family is not as capable
of performing that function well. New Right thinkers such as Charles Murray
are especially concerned that the rise of single parent families is causing a
breakdown in effective parenting. Family Diversity in contemporary society
leads to a less positive experience of childhood.
What social problems might this create for children and society?

5. 5
Marxism and Feminism
Marxists and Feminists are also concerned about the role the family plays in
socialising the next generation but their worries about childhood centre more on
how the family can be used as a tool of the powerful and used to pass on
ideologies of patriarchy and capitalism. Children are seen as the victims of adult
exploitation either by being indoctrinated into gender role stereotypes or as mini
consumers helping boast the capitalist economy.
Both theories see socialisation as potentially harmful to children. They see
the families’ key role as an agent of social control and view the socialisation
process as one of indoctrination into the ‘status quo’ and a means whereby
the powerful legitimise their position in society.
NEGATIVES OF SOCIALISATION
Feminist views Marxist views
All I want for A MARXIST CONCERN
Christmas is
EVERYTHING
PESTER POWER
Read through your notes on Marxism and
the bullet point on page 167 Browne and answer the questions
Use the Marxist perspective to explain why children are
consumers.
What is pester power?
How does the idea of children as consumers support the
view that childhood is disappearing?
Children’s Views:
Robert (8yrs): If you were like going out with your mates you’d probably wear your cool
stuff because you don’t want your mates to say you’re clothes are sad.
Joe (6 yrs): I’m getting a Wii for Christmas this year and I want 6 new games. I better get it

6. 6
Postmodernism and Contemporary Ideas
Postmodernism and other contemporary Sociologists have a lot to say about
Childhood in recent years. They question whether it has improved, worsened
or disappeared altogether. Make a note of which one applies to each theorist.
Melanie Phillips (1997)___________________
Sympathetic with the New Right view, she argues that the culture of parenting
in the UK has broken down and the ‘innocence’ of childhood has been
undermined by two trends.
1. Children have too many rights and powers today. These rights have
undermined parental authority and parents are increasingly criticised and
penalised for resorting to sanctions such as smacking
2. The media and peer groups are more influential than parents, for example
the media encourage young girls to see themselves as sexual from a
younger age.
Give examples of where children are sexualised in contemporary media?
Nick Lee (2001):Childhood in an age of uncertainty: ________________
Lee believes that the social construction of childhood is changing. Children
used to be seen as ‘unstable and incomplete’ in comparison to adults who were
seen as ‘stable and complete’ human beings.
However adulthood is now considered to be very ‘unstable’ at times due to high
divorce rates and the fact that a job is no longer for life.
This means that ‘growing up’ is no longer seen as a journey towards personal
completion and stability, as adulthood is far from stable.
What does this mean?
Morrow (1988) ______________________
Found that children can be constructive and reflective contributors to family
life. Most of the children in Morrow’s study had a pragmatic view of their
family role – they did not want to make decisions for themselves but they did
want a say in what happened to them.
Why could this be viewed as a positive development of childhood?

7. 7
KEY RESEARCH
Neil Postman (1983): The Disappearance of Childhood:_________________
Postman argues that childhood is disappearing. His view is based on 2 ideas.
The growth of television means that there are no more secrets from
children. Television gives them unlimited access to the adult world. They
are exposed to the ‘real world’ of sex, disaster, death and suffering
‘Social blurring’ has occurred so there is little distinction between adults
and children. Children’s games are disappearing and children seem less
childlike today. They speak, dress and behave in more adult ways, while
adults have enjoyed looking more like their kids and youth generally.
Over time, nearly all the traditional features that mark the transition to
adulthood – getting a job, religious confirmation, leaving home, getting
married – no longer apply in any clear way.
To what extent to you believe childhood is disappearing?
What evidence can you use to support your answer?
Sue Palmer (2006)Toxic Childhood __________________
Viewed increasing consumerism and targeting of children as a market for
specialist goods with some concern: In her 2006 study Toxic
Childhoodsuggests that as parents become materially wealthy but time poor,
they give in to demands for expensive consumer goods such as televisions and
computer games which then act as 'electronic babysitters'. Children are not
happy; in fact they are the victims of the heavy marketing of junk food and
dangerous chemically enhanced foods that are contributing to rising rates of
hyperactivity, dyslexia, autism and dyspraxia. Palmer suggests that such
marketing should be banned. It is worth noting that advertising targeted at
children under the age of 10 has already been banned in Scandinavian countries
because it is accepted that children below that age cannot distinguish between
advertising and reality.
COMPLETE THE EXTENSION SHEET ON
SUE PALMER’S TOXIC CHILDHOOD

8. 8
Frank Furedi (2001)Paranoid Parenting____________________
Postmodernist Refers to paranoid parenting and suggests that children are
restricted to the home because of unrealistic parental fears of kidnap,
paedophiles and abduction. This encourages parents to keep children virtual
prisoners in their rooms. As evidence, he points out that very few children are
allowed to walk to school.
Conclusion – The Good and the Bad
Most people would see the lives of children in contemporary Britain as a major
_________________compared to the lives of children in earlier centuries, and
as better than the lives of children in many other parts of the world. The
__________of children in the family has greatly improved and most children
are better cared for, _________________________and enjoy happier healthier
lives than ever before. Nevertheless, _________________ doesn’t mean that all
children are well looked after. __________and ___________still exist and the
experience of family life is not a happy one for all children. Children’s
________________on adults and their inability to obtain legal paid employment
means they have few opportunities to escape unhappy family lives. There is also
the question of whether childhood still __________or whether it has
disappeared and is now indistinguishable from adulthood. The role of the mass
media in ____________________childhood is seen as a negative and has even
led to the contemporary childhood experience being described as __________.
child-centredness, commercialising,status, better educated,
dependency, Abuse, toxic, neglect, improvement, exists
Short Questions Exam Practise
Explain what is meant by the term ‘child centred society’ (2 marks)
Suggest two examples of ways in which the distinction between
childhood and adulthood is ‘becoming blurred’ (4 marks)
Identify two reasons why there is an increase in young adults who do not
move out of their family home until their mid to late 20’s (4 Marks)
Identify two government policies that have helped to create a more
‘child-centred’ society (4 marks)
Identify 3 improvements in the experience of childhood since 1900
(6marks)

9. 9
Identify three ways in which childhood could be said to have worsened in
the last 50 years. (6marks)