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Childhood in Different Cultures and History - Simple Guide

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Saffron

03/01/2023

Sociology

Childhood- sociology full topic revision

Childhood in Different Cultures and History - Simple Guide

Cross-cultural and historical perspectives on childhood reveal how this life stage varies significantly across time and societies, highlighting its nature as a social construct shaped by cultural, economic, and social factors.

  • The concept of childhood sociology has evolved dramatically from medieval times to modern Western society
  • Historical differences in childhood sociology show a shift from viewing children as mini-adults to recognizing childhood as a distinct life stage
  • Cross cultural differences in childhood sociology examples demonstrate how non-industrial societies often treat children differently from Western norms
  • Modern Western childhood emphasizes protection, education, and separation from adult responsibilities
  • The globalization of Western childhood concepts has influenced international policies and perspectives
...

03/01/2023

3672

Childhood Childhood-cross-cultural
differences:
Benedict (1934)- children in simpler non-
industrial society are treated differently from
we

View

Cross-Cultural Differences in Childhood

This page explores the variations in childhood experiences across different cultures, contrasting Western perspectives with those of non-industrial societies.

Highlight: Benedict (1934) identified three key ways in which children in simpler, non-industrial societies are treated differently from Western children.

  1. Early Responsibility: In many non-Western cultures, children take on significant responsibilities at a young age.

Example: Punch (2001) found that in rural Bolivia, children are expected to contribute to household and community work from as young as 5 years old.

  1. Different Authority Dynamics: The relationship between children and adult authority figures varies across cultures.

Example: Firth (1970) observed that among the Tikopia, children's obedience is seen as a gift they grant, rather than an expectation or right of adults.

  1. Attitudes Towards Children's Sexuality: Some cultures have more relaxed views on children's sexual behavior.

Example: Malinowski (1957) reported that Trobriand Islanders display an attitude of tolerance and amused interest towards children's sexual activities.

The page also discusses the globalization of Western childhood concepts:

Vocabulary: Globalization of Western childhood refers to the spread of Western ideas about what childhood should be to other parts of the world, often through international humanitarian and welfare agencies.

This process can lead to conflicts between local cultural norms and imported Western ideals, particularly in areas such as child labor and the phenomenon of "street children" in developing countries.

Highlight: Campaigns against child labor in developing countries often reflect Western ideals of childhood, even when these practices may be cultural norms in the local context.

Childhood Childhood-cross-cultural
differences:
Benedict (1934)- children in simpler non-
industrial society are treated differently from
we

View

Historical Changes in Childhood

This page delves into the historical differences in childhood sociology, tracing how the concept and experience of childhood have evolved over time, particularly in Western societies.

Highlight: Ariès (1960) argued that the concept of childhood as we understand it today did not exist in the Middle Ages.

In medieval times, children were often viewed as miniature adults:

  • They entered the workforce at an early age
  • They were subject to the same laws and punishments as adults
  • Their needs were not considered distinct from those of adults

Example: Shorter (1975) noted that high infant mortality rates in the past led to a degree of emotional detachment from young children, such as the practice of naming a baby after a deceased sibling.

The emergence of the modern concept of childhood:

  1. Ariès identifies several developments after the 13th century that contributed to the modern understanding of childhood:
    • Establishment of schools specifically for young people
    • Distinction in clothing between children and adults
    • Publication of child-rearing books in the 18th century
    • Rise of child-centered families

Vocabulary: The "cult of childhood" refers to the increasing focus on and idealization of childhood as a distinct and special life stage.

  1. Pollock (1983) critiques Ariès' view, arguing that while the Middle Ages had a different concept of childhood, it did exist.

Quote: "Ariès' theory is still valuable in showing how ideas about children and their social status have changed cross-temporally."

The page concludes by exploring the factors that contributed to changes in children's position during the 20th century, including:

  • Laws restricting child labor
  • Introduction of compulsory schooling
  • Child protection and welfare legislation
  • Growing emphasis on children's rights
  • Smaller family sizes and lower infant mortality rates
  • Emergence of child development theories
  • Implementation of age-specific laws for children

Highlight: These changes reflect the shift from viewing children as economic assets to seeing them as individuals requiring protection and investment, a key aspect of childhood sociology A level studies.

Childhood Childhood-cross-cultural
differences:
Benedict (1934)- children in simpler non-
industrial society are treated differently from
we

View

The Future of Childhood

This final section explores contemporary debates about the potential disappearance of childhood in modern society.

Quote: Postman (1994) argues that "childhood is disappearing at a dazzling speed."

Highlight: The shift from print to television culture is identified as a key factor in the changing nature of childhood.

The section examines:

  • Trends toward equal rights between children and adults
  • Reduction in traditional children's games
  • Convergence of child and adult clothing styles
  • Emergence of adult-like behavior in children

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Sociology

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3 Jan 2023

4 pages

Childhood in Different Cultures and History - Simple Guide

Cross-cultural and historical perspectives on childhood reveal how this life stage varies significantly across time and societies, highlighting its nature as a social construct shaped by cultural, economic, and social factors.

  • The concept of childhood sociologyhas evolved dramatically from... Show more
Childhood Childhood-cross-cultural
differences:
Benedict (1934)- children in simpler non-
industrial society are treated differently from
we

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Cross-Cultural Differences in Childhood

This page explores the variations in childhood experiences across different cultures, contrasting Western perspectives with those of non-industrial societies.

Highlight: Benedict (1934) identified three key ways in which children in simpler, non-industrial societies are treated differently from Western children.

  1. Early Responsibility: In many non-Western cultures, children take on significant responsibilities at a young age.

Example: Punch (2001) found that in rural Bolivia, children are expected to contribute to household and community work from as young as 5 years old.

  1. Different Authority Dynamics: The relationship between children and adult authority figures varies across cultures.

Example: Firth (1970) observed that among the Tikopia, children's obedience is seen as a gift they grant, rather than an expectation or right of adults.

  1. Attitudes Towards Children's Sexuality: Some cultures have more relaxed views on children's sexual behavior.

Example: Malinowski (1957) reported that Trobriand Islanders display an attitude of tolerance and amused interest towards children's sexual activities.

The page also discusses the globalization of Western childhood concepts:

Vocabulary: Globalization of Western childhood refers to the spread of Western ideas about what childhood should be to other parts of the world, often through international humanitarian and welfare agencies.

This process can lead to conflicts between local cultural norms and imported Western ideals, particularly in areas such as child labor and the phenomenon of "street children" in developing countries.

Highlight: Campaigns against child labor in developing countries often reflect Western ideals of childhood, even when these practices may be cultural norms in the local context.

Childhood Childhood-cross-cultural
differences:
Benedict (1934)- children in simpler non-
industrial society are treated differently from
we

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Historical Changes in Childhood

This page delves into the historical differences in childhood sociology, tracing how the concept and experience of childhood have evolved over time, particularly in Western societies.

Highlight: Ariès (1960) argued that the concept of childhood as we understand it today did not exist in the Middle Ages.

In medieval times, children were often viewed as miniature adults:

  • They entered the workforce at an early age
  • They were subject to the same laws and punishments as adults
  • Their needs were not considered distinct from those of adults

Example: Shorter (1975) noted that high infant mortality rates in the past led to a degree of emotional detachment from young children, such as the practice of naming a baby after a deceased sibling.

The emergence of the modern concept of childhood:

  1. Ariès identifies several developments after the 13th century that contributed to the modern understanding of childhood:
    • Establishment of schools specifically for young people
    • Distinction in clothing between children and adults
    • Publication of child-rearing books in the 18th century
    • Rise of child-centered families

Vocabulary: The "cult of childhood" refers to the increasing focus on and idealization of childhood as a distinct and special life stage.

  1. Pollock (1983) critiques Ariès' view, arguing that while the Middle Ages had a different concept of childhood, it did exist.

Quote: "Ariès' theory is still valuable in showing how ideas about children and their social status have changed cross-temporally."

The page concludes by exploring the factors that contributed to changes in children's position during the 20th century, including:

  • Laws restricting child labor
  • Introduction of compulsory schooling
  • Child protection and welfare legislation
  • Growing emphasis on children's rights
  • Smaller family sizes and lower infant mortality rates
  • Emergence of child development theories
  • Implementation of age-specific laws for children

Highlight: These changes reflect the shift from viewing children as economic assets to seeing them as individuals requiring protection and investment, a key aspect of childhood sociology A level studies.

Childhood Childhood-cross-cultural
differences:
Benedict (1934)- children in simpler non-
industrial society are treated differently from
we

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Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Future of Childhood

This final section explores contemporary debates about the potential disappearance of childhood in modern society.

Quote: Postman (1994) argues that "childhood is disappearing at a dazzling speed."

Highlight: The shift from print to television culture is identified as a key factor in the changing nature of childhood.

The section examines:

  • Trends toward equal rights between children and adults
  • Reduction in traditional children's games
  • Convergence of child and adult clothing styles
  • Emergence of adult-like behavior in children
Childhood Childhood-cross-cultural
differences:
Benedict (1934)- children in simpler non-
industrial society are treated differently from
we

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Childhood: A Social Construct

The concept of childhood is not universal but varies across cultures and historical periods. This page introduces the idea of childhood as a social construct, emphasizing how perceptions of children and their roles have changed over time.

Definition: Childhood as a social construct refers to the idea that our understanding of childhood is shaped by societal norms, cultural beliefs, and historical context rather than being a fixed, biological reality.

In modern Western societies, childhood is viewed as a special, separate stage of life. Children are seen as fundamentally different from adults, requiring protection and a period of socialization before taking on adult responsibilities.

Highlight: Pilcher (1995) identifies separateness as a key feature of modern childhood, with distinct laws, products, and services catering specifically to children.

The concept of childhood as a "golden age" of innocence and happiness is prevalent in Western cultures. This view emphasizes the protection of children from adult concerns and the importance of leisure and play in their lives.

Example: The creation of toys, children's food products, and dedicated play areas illustrates the separation of childhood from adulthood in Western societies.

However, this perception of childhood is not universal. Wagg (1992) argues that the clear distinction between children and adults is not found in all societies, highlighting the socially constructed nature of childhood.

Quote: "Childhood is socially constructed so there's no universal definition of it." - Wagg (1992)

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Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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iOS user