Sociology

There are many different sociological views on the status of children. Some say it has improved and some say it has worsened.

The march of progress sociologists have a very strong opinion on whether the status of children has improved or not. They believe childhood has changed dramatically as children have become more valued, protected and educated. Children are more valued, cared for, protected and educated due to the introduction of various laws. The child labour act of 1938 restricts children from going into paid employment and protects them from the exploitation of working life. It also highlights the freedom and enjoyment that childhood brings. The child protection act of 1889 has safeguarded the welfare of children from neglect and abuse but ultimately their innocence. In 1870 it became compulsory for all children to receive an education. This provides children with equal opportunities and gives them more chance of gaining a prosperous and stable future. The introduction of these laws has ultimately encouraged people to become more child centered.

However, the new right sociologists disagree and believe that childhood has become an increasingly turbulent time. With the increase in lone parent families, new right theorists are lead to believe that these children will not be cared for properly and the welfare state does not help this at all as parents are less likely to work and give their child support and influences as the parents will become dependent on benefits which could be passed on to the child when he or she gets older and becomes dependent on benefits as that is what they think is the ‘norm’. The welfare laws consist of child benefits and free school meals etc. Melanie Philips puts the breaking down of disciplined childhood down to two trends. The Liberal ideas that children have many different rights e.g. they have the right not to be punished which have undermined the ability of parent to show authority over their children which over all has...