Childhood as a social construct

    AQA
    GCSE

    Childhood is defined not by biological maturity but by societal parameters, varying significantly across historical epochs, cultures, and social classes. Candidates must analyse the shift from the pre-industrial 'miniature adult' to the modern 'child-centred' society, evaluating the roles of industrialisation, legislation, and mass media. Assessment focuses on the tension between the 'March of Progress' narrative and Conflict theories regarding age patriarchy and the globalisation of Western childhood norms.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for explicit distinction between biological immaturity and the social status of childhood.
    • Credit application of the 'March of Progress' view (shorter hours, protection) versus 'Conflict' views (inequality, control).
    • Candidates must cite specific evidence of cross-cultural differences (e.g., child soldiers, labour in developing nations) to demonstrate relativity.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the impact of digital media on the boundaries between childhood and adulthood.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit distinction between biological immaturity and the social status of childhood.
    • Credit application of the 'March of Progress' view (shorter hours, protection) versus 'Conflict' views (inequality, control).
    • Candidates must cite specific evidence of cross-cultural differences (e.g., child soldiers, labour in developing nations) to demonstrate relativity.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the impact of digital media on the boundaries between childhood and adulthood.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Always explicitly refer to the provided Item in 12-mark questions to access the top band.
    • 💡Juxtapose the 'March of Progress' view immediately with the 'Conflict' view to demonstrate evaluation.
    • 💡Use specific terminology like 'pester power', 'information hierarchy', and 'child-centeredness' rather than lay language.
    • 💡Ensure historical comparisons clearly distinguish between pre-industrial society and modern industrial society.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Asserting that childhood is the same universally due to biological age.
    • Confusing the 'disappearance of childhood' with the 'abolition of childhood'.
    • Failing to acknowledge class, gender, or ethnic differences within the experience of childhood (e.g., assuming all children enjoy a 'golden age').

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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    Describe
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    Discuss how far
    Evaluate
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