Question 1: Define the term 'childhood' in the context of sociology.

Answer: Childhood is a socially constructed stage of life characterized by specific rights, responsibilities, and expectations, often seen as a distinct period before adulthood.

Question 2: Describe two ways in which family structures can influence a child's upbringing.

Answer: Family structures can influence a child's upbringing by affecting the level of emotional support they receive and the discipline or values they are taught. For example, a nuclear family might provide stability, while a single-parent family might require the child to take on more responsibilities.

Question 3: Explain the concept of 'socialisation' and how it relates to childhood.

Answer: Socialisation is the process by which children learn the norms, values, and behaviors of their society. It relates to childhood because children learn how to interact and behave through family, school, and peer interactions.

Question 4: Identify and explain one way that childhood has changed in the UK over the past 50 years.

Answer: One change is the increased use of technology and social media among children, which has affected how they communicate and spend leisure time compared to previous generations.

Question 5: Discuss how economic factors can impact a child's experiences within a family.

Answer: Economic factors can affect access to education, healthcare, and leisure activities. Children from wealthier families may have more opportunities, whereas those from poorer families might face challenges that limit their development.

Question 6: Describe what is meant by 'parenting styles' and name two different styles.

Answer: Parenting styles refer to the different ways parents raise their children, which influence the child's development. Two styles are authoritative (firm but supportive) and permissive (lenient and indulgent).

Question 7: Sketch a simple diagram showing the typical stages of childhood development, from birth to adolescence. Label each stage.

Answer: The diagram should show a timeline with stages labeled as: Infancy, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Adolescence. The drawing is a horizontal line with vertical lines marking each stage, with brief descriptors.

Question 8: Identify one sociological reason why childhood might be viewed differently in different cultures.

Answer: Different cultures may have varying beliefs about independence or obedience, affecting how childhood is experienced and what behaviors are expected at different ages.

Question 9: Explain why childhood is considered a 'social construct' rather than a fixed biological stage.

Answer: Childhood is a social construct because the ideas about what it means to be a child vary across societies and cultures; it is shaped by social norms and expectations rather than solely biological factors.

Question 10: Describe one way in which schools contribute to the socialisation of children.

Answer: Schools teach children social norms, rules, and cooperation through interactions with teachers and peers, helping them learn how to behave in wider society.