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Childhood Roles

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Examine the arguments and evidence for the view that childhood is largely a social construction SUMMARY

Sociology emphasises the importance of social factors in the creation of human behaviour rather than biological influences. Therefore the question of whether or not childhood is a social construction or a physical category is an important issue because in it lies the essence of the importance of sociology to our understanding of human behaviour. Attitudes towards children in this and other cultures clearly vary; sociology rejects the idea that what is seen as ‘childhood’ is biologically determined. Instead sociologists argue that the way in which ‘children’ are seen to behave is socially created. You will need to suggest a number of reasons for this, using examples both from Britain and from other cultures. It is also important to try to give a balanced view - although the vast majority of sociological writing on this issue supports the idea that childhood is socially created, you should also try to include one or two arguments from the opposing point of view. Assessment points are italicised in bold in each section of text.

A OPENING FOCUS: CHILDHOOD AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION

1. Age is a biological fact but it is also a social fact - that is, the way in which a particular age group is seen in any society may vary a great deal. If it can be shown that in different cultures, subcultures and historical periods there are different expectations of ‘childhood’ and the role of children, then this would provide evidence of childhood being socially constructed.
2. In different cultures and historical periods, the ways in which children are treated and viewed are variable in terms of expectations of the types of behaviour and capabilities children may exhibit, their rights and responsibilities, their dress and appearance and typical activities.

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