Childhood: Historical, Social, and Contemporary Perspectives Report

This report provides an overview of childhood, discussing its historical context and contemporary status. It begins by defining childhood as a crucial stage of life where individuals learn and develop, emphasizing the importance of education and social constructs like toys and play. The report then delves into the historical background, highlighting the shift from children working at a young age to the current emphasis on education and skill development. It references the views of UNICEF on childhood development, and explores the economic aspects, such as toy businesses and amusement parks, while also noting the historical impact of child labor and the evolution of legal frameworks and technological advancements affecting children. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of providing equal rights and opportunities for all children, regardless of their background, and the impact of digital technology on their freedom and knowledge acquisition. The report references key sociological texts to support its arguments and findings.

Childhood

Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................3
Main body........................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
Childhood refers to the stage of an individual's life where they learn new things, grow
strong and confidence. It consists of the effective quality of education which is being offered to
children, so that they can perform their task in an effective manner in near future. Childhood is
the phase of life where children learn new things which have great impact on their future (Jenks,
2013). Childhood is constructed socially by providing them toys, chocolates and many other
things. In the present report, various factors are going to be considered which includes history of
childhood. In addition to this, the present report cover what is the background of childhood such
as children started working at very young stage as well as education was not so important for
them at that time. Apart from this, it includes what is the current status of childhood in terms of
education, freedom and others. All these things are going to be covered in this present report.
Main body
In the words of UNICEF, childhood is the time for children to be in school and at play, to
grow strong and confident with love and encouragement of their family and an extended
community of caring adults. According to this definition, this is the first stage in a person's life
there many new things are learnt which becomes part of the life.
Childhood is an important part of a society on growth it depends upon the knowledge knowledge
which a child gain during his childhood time. For example, there are many businesses who deal
in toys to entertain kids and increase their sales. it is a part of economy which has contributed in
creating employment and raising the standards of a country in trade and businesses. Similarly,
there are amusement parks, zoo, etc. These are all sources of income by which many entities are
earning (Corsaro, 2017).
In past few decades, childhood was highly affected by people in negative manner. At that
time, education was not so important for children as their families are backward and do not have
any knowledge about the importance of education. Along with this, it has been identified that
children in that era start working at very young stage and left their education for the sake of their
family. There are many countries who hire child labour which is absolutely illegal and unethical.
Every such Nation has implemented statues for controlling engagement of children at tender age
into different organisations. World trade organisation has also notified that no organisation shall
involve children in carrying their business as it is not good for the society.

On comparing the previous scenario of childhood with current situation, it can be said
that childhood has improved dramatically witches appreciable. People have become more aware
about the importance of education and development of skills and knowledge at tender age. Also,
schools and education institutions started curriculum activities for overall growth of a child.
Moreover, legal system has been improved by making strict rules and regulations for governing
the childhood. Also, digital era has arrived which has created and advancement in the technology
and digitalization used by children (Archard, 2014). Earlier, usage of Technology was minimal
which was a huge problem. Along with this, it has added intelligence to the existing amount of
skills and knowledge in children. Childhood is that phase of life which should be based on on
good education, strong moral values, skills, and many others similar aspects.
In nutshell, it can be said that childhood should be shaped in a manner that every child gets
equal rights and opportunities irrespective of the background of family, cast, religion, race,
Creed etc. There should be equality among all the children.
CONCLUSION
As per the above mentioned it has clearly been identified that childhood plays very
important role for every person. As it is the stage where they learn about new things which they
are going to face in near future. In addition to this, it is the report with the help of which it is
clearly identified that in today's world, children are more addicted with digital technology. This
as a result affect there freedom and knowledge which they gain from outside world. Apart from
this, it has also been examined that there are some strict laws and regulations formed by the
government in order to enhance the childhood of children. Along with this, it has been
determined that history of childhood was not so effective, as children get to work at very young
stage. At that time, education was not so important as there is not any specific rules and
regulations.

REFERENCES
Books & Journals:
Jenks, C., 2013. Childhood. Routledge.
Corsaro, W.A., 2017. The sociology of childhood. Sage publications.
Archard, D., 2014. Children: Rights and childhood. Routledge.