Childhood

The Nature of childhood- Data Response Pg. 119

(a) The term a ‘child-centered society’ used by sociologists is where society does a lot for the children. For example the increased availability and efficiency of contraception allows people to choose to have fewer children to enable them to invest more into their children in terms of care, love and buying things their children want.

(b) Differences between childhood in pre-industrial societies and contemporary industrial societies:

* In contemporary industrial societies childhood was the opposite of adulthood in which children were seen to be in need of protection, to have the right not to work and to be dependant on adults. Whereas in pre-industrial societies children were seen as ‘little adults’ who took part in the same work and play activities as adults. Children’s toys and games did not exist and children were regarded as an economic assets rather than a symbol of love.

* In contemporary industrial societies the world of the adult and the world of the child were to be kept separate in which the home and the school were regarded as the ideal places for children and they were often banned from adult spaces such as the pub. However in the pre-industrial society the family was a unit of production, working the land or engaged in crafts. Children were expected to help their parents from a very young age.

(c) Ways in which the state protects the rights of children today:

* In 2004 the Children Act produced the policy of ‘Every Child Matters’ which focuses on the well being of children and yond people form birth to the age of 19 and also stresses better outcomes for children such as being healthy, stating safe and achieving economic well being.

* In 2007 the government set up the Department fro Children, Schools and Families to ensure that all children and young people stay healthy and safe, secure an excellent education with the highest possible standards of achievement,...