The nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society

key ideas

1) Industrialisation and changes to childhood
Pre-industrial Britain had no concept of childhood - Everyone was held responsible for actions and Tudor law stated that a 7 year old can be hanged
After industrialisation, these beliefs stayed within the working class children were an economic asset. Middle class families saw a decline in infant mortality rates and so family sizes declined.
In the 19th century, children were banned from working in mines.

2) 20th century childhood
A child-centered society emerged at this time due to improvements in living standards and nutrition thus leading to a decrease in infant mortality rates. Children also became an expensive business as parents began to favour consumption over primary interaction. Childhood and adolescence became largely separate from adulthood and children were seen as needing protecting

3) Children and the state
Compulsory education lasts until 11 years of age. The role of child services bag to police at-risk families. The 2004 Children Act focuses on wellbeing of children from birth to age 19. In 2007, the Department for Children, Schools and Families was created to make sure children stay healthy, safe and enjoy childhood. The Child Support Act 1991 deals with care and upbringing of children.

4) Teenage parents
From studies by the Social Exclusion Unit, teenage parents were said to be caused by low expectations and ignorance. Those who fear they will end up on benefits ‘ see no reason not to get pregnant’.
Teenage parents are described by some as a ‘social threat’ and it is argued that this has caused a ‘break down of the family’
In 2004, 12% of conceptions were to women under 20, and 0.9% under 16.
It is argued that it bad for teenagers to have children as statistics state that they are more likely to drop out of school, to have low or no qualifications.

5) Childhood and social construction
The concept of childhood, just like family, can be described as a social construction as our culture chooses what we describe it as and this is constantly changing. This is different to in Victorian times when children were ‘seen, not heard’ whereas now, our culture is majorly child-centered.