A-Level Sociology (AQA)

Topic Summaries

Families and households

Childhood

  • 👤 Aries (1960) argues childhood is a social construct and has changed over time; children once seen as ‘mini-adults.’
    • Relies on limited historical sources that may not be representative.
  • 👤 Palmer (2006) argues we are experiencing a “toxic childhood” due to technology, consumerism, and education pressures.
    • Critics argue children today have more opportunities and rights than in the past.
  • 👤 Jenks (2005) claims childhood is changing but still viewed as a distinct stage of life in postmodern society.
    • Based on small, non-representative samples

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