Development of Childhood: History and Culture
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Development of Childhood: History and Culture

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Questions and Answers

What aspect of contemporary parenting is characterized by increasing expectations at home and work?

  • Casual parenting
  • Intensive parenting (correct)
  • Traditional parenting
  • Minimalist parenting

    • Which statement accurately represents John Locke's view on childhood development?

  • Genetics solely determine a child's behavior.
  • Children do not require social interaction to develop language.
  • Children can be shaped by their environment and experiences. (correct)
  • Children are born with innate ideas and knowledge.

    • How does the concept of childhood vary across different societies?

  • Childhood is universally recognized as a time of complete leisure.
  • All societies define childhood in the same way.
  • Children are only viewed as dependents in industrialized societies.
  • In some societies, children are expected to take on significant roles or jobs. (correct)

    • What term is commonly used to describe the modern approach to parenting that focuses heavily on child development?

    <p>Concerted parenting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the nature versus nurture debate primarily focus on in the context of childhood?

    <p>The influence of genetics versus environment in shaping behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the shift in perceptions of motherhood in the 1980s?

    <p>Mothers were more often considered good role models when participating in the labor force.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has the expectation of 'good parenting' changed since the 2000s?

    <p>The focus of parenting has shifted to being more child-centered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term did Sharon Hays coin to describe a specific approach to parenting?

    <p>Intensive mothering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept is often compared to intensive parenting in Annette Lareau’s research?

    <p>Concerted cultivation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where can the roots of intensive parenting expectations be traced back to?

    <p>The end of the Second World War</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the deprivation hypothesis, what is a potential outcome for infants experiencing caregiver disruption?

    <p>Cognitive and social dysfunction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did societal views on children's capabilities change in the late 20th century?

    <p>Children were presented as more capable and independent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been a primary criticism regarding the demands of intensive parenting?

    <p>It places unrealistic expectations on mothers' work-life balance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the emergence of childhood as a distinct phase in life suggest about historical views of children?

    <p>Children were considered mini adults without significant differences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following changes contributed to the emergence of childhood as a separate stage of life?

    <p>Development of children’s toys and specific clothing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Ruth Benedict's observations of Samoan children differ from those in Western societies?

    <p>Samoan children were allowed to participate in dangerous jobs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher's ideas contributed to the changing attitudes towards children during the Enlightenment?

    <p>Jean Jacques Rousseau</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What criticism did Philippe Aries face regarding his perspective on childhood?

    <p>He claimed that childhood did not exist historically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which way did the role of churchmen and moralists influence childhood in the seventeenth century?

    <p>They promoted the introduction of schools to separate children from adults.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What social condition in Mexico has been observed regarding teenage children?

    <p>They are often required to assist in domestic employment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception about childhood does Philippe Aries's work address?

    <p>Historical views did not regard children as significant individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Childhood typically lasts from infancy until the onset of adolescence at around age 12 or 13.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The nature versus nurture debate asserts that environmental factors are irrelevant to human development.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Intensive parenting refers to a more relaxed approach that emphasizes letting children be independent.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the nurture perspective, humans are born as a blank slate and acquire ideas from their environment.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In certain societies, it is uncommon for children to engage in substantial work as part of their upbringing.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In medieval times, children were viewed as mini adults with little difference in their activities compared to adults.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ruth Benedict suggested that children in Tikopia were not given respect for their individuality.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Philippe Aries claimed that childhood only began to emerge with the introduction of toys and specialized clothing for children.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Amnesty International reported that approximately 500,000 child soldiers are currently active in conflict situations worldwide.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Philippe Aries faced criticism for overgeneralizing his claims about the historical concept of childhood.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Samoa, children were not allowed to engage in any form of dangerous work.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The nineteenth-century moralists played a significant role in the emergence of childhood by introducing schools to separate children from adults.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Among the Aboriginal communities in Australia, children were prohibited from playing any sexual games.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the 1980s, mothers who participated in the labor force were viewed as less capable parents.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of 'intensive mothering' was introduced by Sharon Hays in the 1990s.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The expectations of 'good parenting' have become less child-centered in recent years.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Annette Lareau's research does not relate to intensive parenting practices.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    John Bowlby's deprivation hypothesis suggests that caregiver disruption can lead to positive outcomes for infants.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of childhood as a distinct phase has historical roots traced back to the mid-twentieth century.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the 2000s, mothers' paid work was generally considered beneficial for children's well-being.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The idea of concerted cultivation is not related to social class distinctions in parenting styles.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The focus of child-rearing advice literature shifted to prioritize the psychological and emotional well-being of children after World War II.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Neoliberal political ideas emphasize collective responsibility for social issues over individual responsibility.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Research suggests that parents can impact their children's brain development by providing proper cognitive stimulation early in life.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of 'helicopter parenting' is associated with a balanced approach to raising children.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In 2015, fathers in Canada were responsible for about 60% of household tasks and childcare.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cultural understandings in Canada tend to view mothers as more natural caregivers compared to fathers.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Intensive parenting is an ideal accessible to most low-income families.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The parenting styles of less-privileged mothers focus on helping their children thrive in various opportunities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Middle-class parents frequently experience stress and burnout due to the demands of intensive parenting.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Contemporary parenting is less child-centered than it has been in the past.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Parental involvement in a child’s school life is considered less important in current parenting practices.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Governmental policies regarding parenting are largely shaped by societal expectations of individualism and self-management.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The threshold of acceptable risk to children has increased in recent years.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Intensive parenting encourages children to gain resilience and learn to manage challenges independently.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Historical Development of Childhood

    • In medieval times, childhood was not seen as a distinct stage of life. Children were treated as miniature adults and had little age-specific significance.
    • The concept of childhood began to emerge in the 17th century with the introduction of toys and clothing specifically for children.
    • The rise of schools was another factor that contributed to the separation of children from the adult world.

    Cultural Variations in Childhood

    • Different cultures embrace diverse parenting practices and views on childhood.
    • In Mexico, children's participation in domestic labor is common.
    • In certain societies, children are expected to engage in significant work.

    Nature vs. Nurture Debate

    • John Locke argued that humans are born as blank slates and learn everything through their environment and experiences (nurture).
    • Charles Darwin's theory of evolution led to the belief that our genes largely determine our development and behavior (nature).

    Changing Attitudes to Children

    • Romantic love and Enlightenment philosophers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, contributed to the idea that children are innocent and deserve special care and attention.
    • The understanding of childhood has evolved significantly, with increased focus on children's needs and rights.
    • The rise of mothers entering the workforce in the 1980s challenged parenting expectations.

    Intensive Parenting

    • The term "intensive parenting" describes the high level of attention and involvement that parents are expected to give their children.
    • It can lead to conflicts with work-life balance expectations for mothers.
    • There are cultural and historical factors contributing to the rise of intensive parenting, including John Bowlby's theories of maternal deprivation and attachment.
    • Bowlby's theory emphasizes the importance of a secure attachment between infant and caregiver for the child's emotional and social development.

    Criticisms of Aries

    • Aries's work is controversial and has been criticized for suggesting that the concept of childhood did not exist at all.
    • Critics argue that, while childhood may have been perceived differently in the past, it has always existed.
    • Aries's work has also been criticized for overgeneralizing about medieval times.

    Parenthood and Childhood

    • Parenthood is a state of being a parent with social, psychological, emotional, physical, and economic implications.
    • Childhood falls between infancy and adolescence, lasting from ages one or two to 12 or 13.
    • Early childhood is characterized by language development.
    • Parenthood involves the responsibility of raising a child.
    • The transition to parenthood brings new experiences for families, both joyful and stressful.
    • Expectations for parents at home and work are increasing.
    • Contemporary parenting is characterized as "intensive parenting" and "concerted cultivation."
    • Gender debates on parenting and childhood are growing.

    Nature vs. Nurture Debate

    • John Locke (1689) argued that humans are born as a blank slate (tabula rasa) and acquire ideas and language from the world.
    • Charles Darwin argued that humans are pre-wired to act in certain ways due to genetics.

    Historical Development and Social Constructions

    • Childhood is a socially constructed concept interpreted differently by societies.
    • Societies vary in their definitions of childhood and parenting practices.
    • Michael Wyness (2006) found that in Mexico, children engage in domestic employment.
    • Amnesty International (2007) reported approximately 300,000 child soldiers active globally.
    • Ruth Benedict (1955) observed that children in Samoa performed dangerous jobs, Tikopia respected children’s individuality, and Aboriginal Australians tolerated sexual games among children.

    Historical Development and Social Constructions (cont.)

    • Philippe Aries (1973) asserted that the modern concept of childhood didn't exist in medieval times (12th-16th centuries).
    • In medieval times, age held little significance, and children were viewed as adults when they could function independently.
    • Children were seen as insignificant and complete, dressed as mini adults.

    Historical Development and Social Constructions (cont.)

    • Aries proposed that childhood emerged with the introduction of children's toys and clothing.
    • This shift was influenced by churchmen and seventeenth-century moralists.
    • Schools were established to separate children from the adult world.

    Criticisms of Aries

    • Aries' work was controversial and value-laden.
    • His claim that the concept of childhood did not exist was challenged, with some suggesting it existed but was simply viewed differently.
    • Aries faced criticism for generalizing his observations.

    Changing Attitudes to Children

    • The concept of romantic love emerged.
    • Philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau (an Enlightenment thinker) influenced the understanding of childhood.
    • Western society's understanding of childhood has evolved, recognizing adolescence, teenage years, and longer periods of adult dependency.

    Changing Attitudes to Children (cont.)

    • The changing understanding of childhood led to new ideas about good parenting.
    • In the 1980s, mothers entered the workforce, leading to changes in expectations around parenting.
    • Children were viewed as more capable and independent, and working mothers were seen as role models promoting opportunity.

    Changing Attitudes to Children (cont.)

    • By the 2000s, employed mothers of young children were common, but their paid work was increasingly perceived as harming their children's wellbeing.
    • "Good parenting" became more child-centered and intensive.

    Intensive Parenting

    • Sharon Hays coined the term "intensive mothering" to describe the heightened attentiveness to children's development expected of mothers.
    • This attentiveness often conflicts with mothers' work expectations.
    • Annette Lareau (2002, 2003) observed "concerted cultivation" among middle-class parents, a concept similar to intensive parenting.

    Intensive Parenting (cont.)

    • Many authors argue that intensive parenting expectations set the standard for good parenting in Western societies.
    • The historical and cultural development of intensive parenting can be traced back to the mid-twentieth century.
    • John Bowlby's theories of maternal deprivation and attachment, along with post-World War II prosperity, medical advancements, and disease control, influenced the focus on children’s psychological and emotional well-being.

    Intensive Parenting (cont.)

    • Advice literature increasingly contrasted mothers' and children's needs.

    Neoliberalism and Risk Culture

    • Neoliberal political ideas emphasize individual responsibility for social issues.
    • Parenting became focused on careful planning and expert advice for children's future success.
    • Advice literature concentrated on risks to children and parents' responsibility to manage them.

    The Brain Development Thesis

    • Brain development proponents suggest that parents can shape their children's brain wiring and potential through early and appropriate cognitive stimulation.
    • Brain development advice builds on the assumptions of attachment theory, emphasizing responsive parental attention.
    • Parental involvement in school life is considered an essential component of good parenting.

    The Brain Development Thesis (cont.)

    • Ontario's Early Years Centres and The Invest in Kids Foundation "Years Before 5" campaign reflect this development.
    • Despite criticism, brain development advice gained popularity in the media and parenting education circles.
    • Experts began raising concerns about the possible negative effects of excessive parental attention on children's resilience.

    Over-Parenting and Building Resilience

    • Concerns exist about raising a generation of stressed, over-scheduled children lacking the imagination and independence needed for adulthood.
    • Helicopter parenting has become prevalent.
    • Balancing "under-parenting" and "over-parenting" is crucial for building resilience in children.

    Gender and Parenting

    • Heterosexual, two-parent families typically see mothers spending significantly more time than fathers on childcare and housework.
    • In 2015, Canadian mothers accounted for about 60% of household work and almost two-thirds of childcare tasks.
    • Structural and cultural factors contribute to this disparity, including gender-based salary and employment differences, prioritizing men's careers, and workplace cultures that make it more difficult for men to take childcare time off.

    Gender and Parenting (cont.)

    • Cultural understandings position mothers as natural parents.
    • Studies show that intensive parenting expectations fall more heavily on mothers.
    • Fathers are often viewed as breadwinners first and parents second.
    • Recent trends show gradual improvement in fathers' involvement in housework and childcare.

    Inequality and Intensive Parenting

    • Intensive parenting ideology assumes access to ample time, financial resources, and support for engaging with children.
    • It is a middle-class ideal that many low-income families cannot achieve.
    • Less privileged mothers often lack the time, financial resources, and social capital for intensive parenting.

    Inequality and Intensive Parenting (cont.)

    • Parenting styles of less privileged mothers focus on helping children survive the realities of limited opportunities and life chances for marginalized groups.
    • Nelson (2010) observed differences in parenting styles between professional middle-class parents and those with fewer resources.

    Inequality and Intensive Parenting (cont.)

    • Intensive parenting remains the standard for good parenting, though it's unrealistic for those without middle-class privilege.
    • Middle-class parents often experience stress, burnout, and mental health issues due to the demands of intensive parenting.

    Third Culture Kids - Today's Reality - Vicky Schdeva

    • This section is noted but not detailed in the provided text.

    Conclusion

    • Contemporary understandings of good parenting are rooted in neoliberal assumptions of individual self-management, responsibility, and control over outcomes.
    • Recognizing the challenges of parenting and the impact of structural barriers on parents and children could shift policy and programs towards a focus on social responsibility for child outcomes.
    • Parenting in Canada is highly child-centered and intensive, requiring significant time, energy, and financial resources.
    • The current parenting culture has implications for cultural expectations and the parent-child relationship.

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    Description

    Explore the historical evolution of childhood from medieval times to the modern era. This quiz delves into cultural variations in parenting, the nature vs. nurture debate, and the emergence of childhood as a distinct phase of life. Test your knowledge on how different societies view and shape the experiences of children.

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