Quiz: Has Childhood Changed Over Time?

What do sociologists mean by the 'social construction of childhood'?

• Children are biologically different

• Childhood is the same in all societies

• How societies treat children varies depending on culture and time

• All children grow up in the same way

What is child labour?

• When children are given toys to play with

• When children have to work to support their families

• When children help parents with homework

• When children go to school

According to Philippe Aries, how were children treated 300 years ago?

• They were sent to nurseries

• They were treated like ‘mini adults’ and expected to work

• They went to school until 18

• They were considered more important than adults

What does it mean to live in a child-centred society?

• Children’s wellbeing is seen as very important

• Children make all the decisions

• Adults and children are treated the same

• Children are allowed to work

What shows that society has become more child-centred?

• Children are ignored by media

• They have fewer legal rights

• They are allowed to work full-time

• They are given toys, treated kindly and protected by laws

What is one problem with saying childhood has improved for everyone?

• Every child becomes a celebrity

• Girls have more power

• Not all children have the same experiences

• Children don’t watch TV anymore

Disappearing childhoods refers to:

• The loss of traditional experiences and innocence associated with being a child.

• Children spending more time outdoors than before.

• An increase in childhood playtime and leisure activities.

• Children starting school at an older age.

What is one criticism of the media's influence on childhood?

• Fewer children are born

• Children don’t exist in society anymore

• Childhood starts later

• Children are exposed to adult issues too early

What did Neil Postman argue?

• Childhood is lasting longer

• Media is making children grow up too fast

• Children are not exposed to enough content

• Parents are becoming more strict

What did Aries’ research suggest about childhood in the past?

• Children went to school daily

• Childhood was full of fun

• Childhood did not exist as a separate life stage

• Children lived longer lives