Due the increasing status of children in contemporary society, some sociologists have argued that ‘Childhood’ as we know it today is slowly disappearing as a distinct phase of life.

What does the Future hold for

Childhood?

Postman (1994) ‘Childhood is Disappearing at a Dazzling Speed’.

Postman argues that children are becoming more and more similar to adults in terms of laws, rights, clothing, leisure time and crime. This is due to the increase in ‘Television Culture’.

Give examples of

such similarities

In the Middle-Ages the majority was illiterate

and the only skill needed to participate in the adult world was verbal communication. Adult society was thus open to children also. Childhood separated

from adulthood in the 19th Century with the growing commonality of the printed word.

Adults had power over knowledge relating to sex, money, violence,

death, etc as they were educated to read.

Television (& more recently the internet) has broken down this

‘Information Hierarchy’. Children’s ignorance, innocence

and naivety are broken down.

Evaluate this

argument

Iona Opie (1993) suggests that

‘Childhood’ as a separate

culture is more distinct than ever

– do you agree? Explain your answer

There is also an argument that suggests that ‘Westernised’ notions of childhood are becoming globalised and as such ‘Childhood’ is spreading throughout the world – Give examples.

There is growing concern that childhood is becoming Re-Constructed within contemporary society. Margo & Dixon

(2006) highlight how the UK youth are near the top of international league tables for obesity, alcohol & drug abuse, pregnancy, violence & self-harm.

What consequences might this have on family structures and population demographics in the UK?