The document discusses how views of childhood have changed over time and across cultures. Benedict claims that in non-industrial societies, there is less distinction between adult and child behavior and expectations, and children are treated very differently than in Western societies. Specifically, children in non-industrial cultures often take on responsibilities earlier, have less restricted sexual behaviors, and show less obedience to adult authority. The document then discusses factors like industrialization, laws preventing child cruelty and labor, and theories of child development that have led childhood to be constructed differently and children to be more dependent and protected in modern Western societies.

1. Childhood across the cultures
Benedict, 1934, claims that in non-industrial cultures there is less of a distinction between adult & child behaviour &
expectations & children are treated very differently to western societies. He suggests 3 distinct differences between
modern ‘western’ children and children from simpler, non industrial societies
1. Earlier ResponsibilityBolivia (Punch 2001) 2. Sexual
Behaviour
(Malinowski –
Trobriand Islands)
“The age at which a girl
begins to amuse herself in this manner is said to coincide with her
putting on the small fibre skirt, between, that is, the ages of 4 and 5”
3. Less Obedience to Adult How does this suggest that
Authority(Firth1970 - Tikopia) childhood is a social
construct?
Reasons for the changing position of children
e.g.1889 prevention of cruelty to children
1989 children Act (welfare of children central to social services and other agencies)
1989 children acts show parents as having responsibilities.#
UN lays out basic children’s rights in the convention Rights of the Child 1989
Minimum age for sex, smoking, drinking, suggest that children are different to adults
Restricting child labour meant that children became dependant on their parents and an
economic liability with-out being able to earn a wage.
This has led to greater emotional and financial investment in children
Donzelot (1977) points out that theories on child development form C19th suggest need of
child for protection and care.
The children of the poor were made more dependent on parents because of this
and this increased with the school leaving age being raised. (1880 compulsory
schooling begins;1947 - leaving age raised to 15; 1971 - leaving age raised to 16;
2013 leaving age raised to 18)
How does industrialisation play its part in the change of the role of children? Webb pg 31