A Sociological Analysis: The Evolving Concept of Childhood and Rights

This essay provides an overview of childhood from a sociological perspective, drawing on theories such as Jane Pilcher's concept of separateness, the march of progress view, and Philippe Aries's historical analysis of childhood's social construction. It examines how childhood has evolved over time, from a period where children were integrated into adult work to the modern era with laws protecting children's rights, such as the Education Act 1996 and the Children Act 2004. The essay also considers Neil Postman's argument about the disappearance of childhood due to trends like children being given the same rights as adults and the growing influence of technology. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of nurturing childhood to maintain innocence and highlights the contrasting views on childhood throughout history, underscoring the significance of current protective measures.

Childhood

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Main Body.......................................................................................................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................4

Introduction
Childhood is defined as age span which ranges from birth to adolescence. Basically, it is a
period or state of being a child (Burkey and et. al, 2020). This essay will provide overview of
some aspects related with childhood through usage of theories.
Main Body
Jane Pilcher argues that essential facet of childhood is separateness. Childhood is viewed as
unlike life stage and children have different status within the society as compared to adults. It is
referred to as golden age for innocence and happiness. This innocence denotes children are
vulnerable who needs adequate protection, thus it is crucial that they are separated (The Social
Construction of Chilhoood, 2016). The march of progress argues that there has been a steady
improvement in position of children which paints dark picture with respect to past. As per this, it
has been argued that at present children are more valued, protected, cared for as well as
educated. Conflict sociologist like Marxists and feminists argument, that children’s positions
have been dramatically improved within short interval of time. Philippe Aries presents a radical
view related with social construction of childhood. In middle age idea of childhood did not exit
and supports their view by depicting that children used to work at earlier age and different laws
were not made for distinguishing between adults and children. As per Aries, from 13th century
the modern notations of childhood came.
In context of past, children were made to do dangerous things such as fishing in open, handling
sharp objects, work as a labourer and many others. Education was not important but emphasis
was laid on earning money for survival. At present time, focus is laid on all the aspects related
with childhood, there are certain laws formulated for protection of child like Education Act 1996,
Learning and Skills Act 2000, Children Act 2004, Sexual Offences Act 2003 and many others
are there. Education provides children with base through which they can acquire knowledge with
respect to right and wrong (Gullo and Graue, 2020). It will also enable them to acknowledge
things surrounding them and impact created by those on society.
Along with this technology will help them to carry out their things quickly but there are
wide range of disadvantages related with this aspect like if child gets addicted to say gadgets
then it won’t be apt as they will not play outdoor games, will have negative impact on their
studies and there are many other aspects related with this. Technology creates affirmative impact

only when it is utilised in an appropriate thus it is important for family members to ensure that
they set time for its usage. As per argument from Neil Postman childhood is disappearing at
astounding speed to support this, they looked into trends as per which same rights are being
given to children and even there are the cases where crimes are being committed by them like
rape, murder, etc (Is Childhood Disappearing?, 2016). The evidences were given to support
arguments, growing internet illustrates parents as well as children are becoming equal, children
are used within interview panel for teacher’s interview and adults are becoming like children.
This presents current scenario of childhood.
Conclusion
From above it can be concluded that childhood is important phase of life and it must be
nourished appropriately so that their innocence can be maintained. Different people have given
different arguments like children had to work and they illustrates clear picture of society in
historian time. But at present scenario various laws have been formulated to protect their rights.

References
Books & Journals
Burkey, M.D. and et. al, 2020. Addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in BC:
practical approaches. BC medical journal: BCMJ, 62(1), pp.14-17.
Gullo, D.F. and Graue, M.E., 2020. The Sciences of Early Childhood Education: From Diverse
Perspectives to Common Practice.
Online
The Social Construction of Chilhoood. 2016. [Online]. Available through: <
https://revisesociology.com/2015/05/06/social-construction-of-childhood/ >.
Is Childhood Disappearing?. 2016. [Online]. Available through: <
https://revisesociology.com/2015/05/11/is-childhood-disappearing/ >.