Changing status of children

    AQA
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyse childhood not as a biological constant but as a social construct that has evolved significantly from the pre-industrial era to the postmodern age. The study necessitates a critical evaluation of the 'March of Progress' view against 'Conflict' theories, assessing whether the status of children has improved or merely shifted form. Key focus areas include the transition from economic asset to economic liability, the emergence of child-centredness, and the impact of globalisation. Responses must integrate theoretical perspectives (Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist, New Right) and assess contemporary issues such as 'toxic childhood', 'age patriarchy', and the potential 'disappearance of childhood' in the digital age.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for explicit definition of childhood as a social construction, distinct from biological immaturity
    • Credit application of the 'March of Progress' view: improved healthcare, education, and legal rights (e.g., Children Act 1989)
    • Reward analysis of the 'Conflict' view: inequalities among children (class/gender/ethnicity) and inequalities between children and adults (age patriarchy)
    • Candidates must evaluate contemporary issues: 'pester power', the impact of digital media, and the 'boomerang generation'

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit definition of childhood as a social construction, distinct from biological immaturity
    • Credit application of the 'March of Progress' view: improved healthcare, education, and legal rights (e.g., Children Act 1989)
    • Reward analysis of the 'Conflict' view: inequalities among children (class/gender/ethnicity) and inequalities between children and adults (age patriarchy)
    • Candidates must evaluate contemporary issues: 'pester power', the impact of digital media, and the 'boomerang generation'

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 12-mark questions, always start by extracting a 'hook' from the provided Item to form your first argument
    • 💡Contrast the functionalist view of the 'nurturing' family with the feminist view of gender role socialization (e.g., Oakley)
    • 💡Use specific legal milestones (e.g., restricting child labour) to evidence the changing status
    • 💡Ensure the conclusion directly answers 'how far' by weighing the 'March of Progress' against 'Toxic Childhood' arguments

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Treating childhood as a universal, fixed biological stage rather than a culturally specific social construction
    • Providing anecdotal evidence of 'spoiled children' rather than sociological concepts like 'child-centeredness'
    • Failing to acknowledge that the 'March of Progress' does not apply equally to all social classes or global contexts

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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