2 pages (550 words) Double spacedType of paper:Coursework Undergraduate (yrs. 3-4)Discipline:PsychologyTitle:The History of ChildhoodSources to be cited:3Read: Postman’s “Disappearance of Childhood” a

Running head: HISTORY OF CHILDHOOD 1

The History of Childhood

Name

Institutional Affiliation

The History of Childhood

Question 1

A lot of controversies arose in the past regarding childhood and childhood rearing. Historian De Mause portrays an extremely negative picture of childhood in the past and even refers it as a nightmare. The major forms of reactions taken by parents in the past were projective and reversal where children were used as toilet-lap and also battered all together. They were there to fulfill parent’s needs and requirements. It is a clear indication that children in the past were less regarded and therefore very little affection given towards them. It is disheartening as many deaths were highly experienced during those times.

Question 2

According to Postman, the distinction between an adult and a child is that, adults have more knowledge on particular facets of life, cultural secrets and other mysteries that may be deemed shameful if revealed to children indiscriminately.

Question 3

In the medieval period, adults were regarded as childlike because there were no restraining cultures or institutions between children and adults. They all acted in a similar behavior. Adults used the same toys and played the same games as children. Moreover, children were involved in all ceremonies pertaining the community and there was no shame of certain facets of life such as sexual desires and other sexual matters.

Question 4

The Romantic Movement perceives childhood as a stage of innocence and purity and the adults as the immoral creatures who are the source of problem. They believe literacy, education and shame weakens the innocence, purity and the naturalness of childhood. Consequently, Protestants view a child as an undeveloped individual who can be shaped into an enlightened adult through education, shame, literacy and reason. Postman regards the discourse as corrupt because it’s unnatural and not biological. He believes childhood growth into adulthood should be natural and organic and should not be forced and suffocated through civilization.

Question 5

I believe it is a fair charge after reading De Mause book.In Demause book “EVOLUTION OF CHILDHOOD”, the innocence of children is well explained. First, the story of Nicolas who throws his toys into the fire and also put his hands into the fire although it was a test, proves the purity and innocence of children. He sacrifices his own pleasures for the well-being of his grandfather and his mother. More so, the scary stories told by parents on their children to maintain their discipline is another show of innocence and purity. Children actually believed these stories and were often terrified to do anything wrong.

Question 6

A significant example of romanticism in the contemporary world lies in the works of Avicii. In her song Wake Me Up, she explores the concept of individualism an emphasis on promoting personal identity. She encourages people to be independent and not to be influenced by other people or social norms. The protestant discourse on childhood has had enormous impacts on children through modern technology and media. One major impact is on behavior where children are exposed to the vicious and unlawful contents for example pornography.

Question 7

In the past all human interaction and communication was conducted socially. The invention of the Printing Press heightened and empowered the context of Individualism. Therefore, individualism was perceived ordinary and acceptable, which led to the appreciation of all individuals as unique and important creatures. The context of the importance of personal identity through the printing press thus led to the rise of childhood. More so, the concept of knowledge explosion which expected adults to have explored into unknown worlds to be fully functional, created the essence of childhood.

Question 8

Literacy in the 21st century is a profoundly important skill. In this digital era where changes in technology occur on daily basis, it is thus important for individuals to enhance their literacy occasionally. Enhancement of individuality through literacy is very important to compete in this expanding technological era. Moreover, literacy has greatly evolved overtime from learning to read and write to use of complex and sophisticated technologies. Similarly, enhancement of adult literacy and workforce skills is highly important in the promotion of capitalism thus improving the economic development of the country.

Question 9

One way in which schools teach on pre-skills of literacy is through engaging them in an interesting activity that will help in self-regulation of the students. For example, telling interesting stories or songs. Another method is through emphasis on the importance of pre-skills of literacy. Repetition is an important aspect of emphasis that is used by teachers on a daily basis until they capture the attention of students. One way of punishing students who do not achieve literacy is through shaming. Shaming is used when teachers do not agree concurrently with the children’s views or actions. It is a form of embarrassment that forces children to respond to the teachers demands.

Question 10

According to Postman childhood disappearance was brought about by literacy as it undermined the psychology and sociology of oralism. Reading creates a demarcation between the literate and the illiterate which afflicts childhood. Literature and secrets were endorsed for adults. However, I do not agree with this concept as literacy should not define age-groups and the differences between childhood and adulthood. It is also possible that adulthood is also disappearing as the rules governing children and adults have declined and all parties are regarded the same.

References

Quill, L. (2011). The disappearance of adulthood. Studies in Philosophy and Education, 30(4), 327-341.

Hendrick, H. (2009). The evolution of childhood in western Europe c. 1400–c. 1750. In The Palgrave handbook of childhood studies (pp. 99-113). Palgrave Macmillan, London.

Qvortrup, J. (2009). The development of childhood. Sociological studies of children and youth, 12, 1-26.