1. Due the increasing status of children in contemporary society, some
sociologists have argued that ‘Childhood’ as we know it today is slowly
disappearing as a distinct phase of life.
Postman (1994) ‘Childhood is Disappearing at a Dazzling Speed’.
Postman argues that children are becoming more and more
similar to adults in terms of laws, rights, clothing, leisure
time and crime. This is due to the increase in ‘Television
Culture’.

2. In the Middle-Ages the
majority was illiterate
and the only skill needed
to participate in the
adult world was verbal
communication. Adult
society was thus open to
children also. Childhood separated
from adulthood in the
19th Century with the
growing commonality of
the printed word. Adults
had power over
knowledge relating to
sex, money, violence, dea
th, etc as they were Television (& more
educated to read. recently the internet)
has broken down this
‘Information Hierarchy’.
Children’s
ignorance, innocence
and naivety are broken
down.

3. Iona Opie (1993) There is also an argument
suggests that that suggests that
‘Childhood’ ‘Westernised’ notions
as a separate of childhood are
culture is more becoming globalised
distinct than ever and as such ‘Childhood’
– do you agree? is spreading
Explain your answer throughout the world
– Give examples.
There is growing concern that
childhood is becoming Re-
Constructed within contemporary
society. Margo & Dixon
(2006) highlight
how the UK youth
are near the top of
international league
tables for
obesity, alcohol &
drug
abuse, pregnancy, vi
olence & self-harm.