Read the section on historical differences in childhood and reasons for change, from page 30 to page 34. Then answer the following: 1. Ariès argues that ‘childhood did not exist’ in the Middle Ages.. Using the factors listed below, write a summary explaining why Aries believes this was so. High infant mortality rates Low expectation of life Large families Children had … [Read more...]
Investigating the Social Construction of Childhood
Working in pairs, investigate the changes that have occurred in our ideas of what childhood means. You should find two people over the age of sixty-five (older, if possible) who are willing to be interviewed. Explain why you wish to interview them. You will probably find that your interviewees are quite happy to give you detailed information if you approach the interview in a sensitive … [Read more...]
Childhood : Answers to QuickCheck Questions
What is meant by ‘childhood’ differs between societies and depends on time, place and culture. Children take responsibility at an earlier age: less value placed on them showing obedience; their sexual behaviour is often viewed differently. Giving a new born baby the same name as a dead sibling; referring to the baby as ‘it’; forgetting how many children they had. Because they … [Read more...]