The Future of Childhood
This page examines various perspectives on the future of childhood, including the idea of its potential disappearance and debates about whether children's position in society has improved.
The disappearance of childhood:
- Postman argues that childhood emerged with mass literacy in the 19th century
- Television is seen as blurring the distinction between childhood and adulthood
- Adult and children's tastes and styles are becoming indistinguishable
Definition: Mass literacy - The widespread ability to read and write within a population, which historically created a division between literate adults and illiterate children.
Has the position of children improved?
- March of progress view: Children's position in Western societies has slowly improved
- Aries and Shorter argue that children are more valued today
- Child-centered families and increased investment in children are noted
Example: Up to the 21st birthday, children cost parents over $227,000 on average.
Toxic childhood:
- Sue Palmer argues that modern factors like junk food, computer games, and stress negatively impact childhood
- UNICEF 2013 report ranked the UK 16th out of 29 countries for children's wellbeing
Childhood in Postmodernity:
- Jenks agrees with Aries that childhood was a creation of modern society
- There is more instability in postmodern society affecting childhood experiences
Inequalities among children:
- Class differences persist in children's experiences
- Gender inequalities are observed in daily routines and expectations
- Cultural factors influence children's freedoms and responsibilities
Highlight: 90% of the world's low-weight babies are born in developing countries, highlighting global inequalities in childhood experiences.
The New Sociology of Childhood:
- Emphasizes greater surveillance and regulation of children's lives
- Recognizes that children continue to have a separate status with legal and other restrictions
Quote: "Need to include children's own views in studies."
This page provides a comprehensive overview of various perspectives on the future of childhood, highlighting debates about its potential disappearance, improvements in children's position, and persistent inequalities. It emphasizes the importance of considering children's own views in understanding their experiences and the evolving nature of childhood in contemporary society.
