Childhood

How does the tabula rasa discourse shape adult perceptions of childhood' In what ways does it differ from other discourses of childhood' Discourse is a concept that is used extensively in the work of Social Constructionists when discussing childhood. I intend to give an explanation of what a discourse is and how the tabula rasa discourse influences adult perceptions of childhood. I will also discuss the Puritan and Romantic discourse and identify the differences between them and the tabula rasa discourse. The term discourse refers to a set of linked ideas which are held together by a particular view of the world or philosophy. Social constructionists highlight the importance of how cultural, historical and social differences can influence our thinking and behaviour, and this line of thought and behaviour forms a discourse. Each gender has different discourses as do adults to children and the affluent to the poor, amongst many others. Using morality as an example, a masculine perspective often places the highest value on ideas like justice, whereas the feminine perspective would most often place the highest value on caring for others. The tabula rasa discourse is one that believes that the child is born as a blank slate and their knowledge is built from their experiences in the world around them. Our modern theory is mostly attributed to philosopher John Locke’s (1632 – 1704) expression of the idea in the 17th century. He thought that one’s sensory experiences formed the data and rules that needed to be processed for learning. He believed that education would allow children to develop a rational and reasoning mind and that the adults and environment around, would shape them. In today’s Western societies, parental attitudes are constantly changing because of pressures from out with the family unit, such as psychologists and philosophers, governments and globalisation. The ways in which childhood is socially constructed affects the way in which we treat Them, and different policies offered reflect different ideas of what a child should be. With advertising and the media in general, increasingly people around the globe are subject to the same influences. The ideals of the Western world are now influencing the lives of children worldwide because of institutions such as the World Bank and Aid Agencies. The richer countries are responsible for pushing their agendas on the rest of the world. Tabula rasa means that each individual is free to define the content of their character and be aware of their own identities and how they shape their relationships with others. Because children live in very different political, economical and cultural contexts there can be vast differences in the way they are educated, but in general most adults want the same for their children. In each of the audio clips parents from Bangladesh, America and Africa wanted a different childhood for their children to the one they had. They wanted their children to be better educated and have better opportunities in life, with the ability to question things around them. The Tabula Rasa discourse makes you believe that at all times, whatever action the adult takes, shapes the child and their future. Discipline is featured in the Tabula Rasa discourse with the belief that whilst a child is too young to understand the meaning of wrong doing then they should not be punished for it – how would they know what they were being punished for' Once of an age that this understanding is evident, then punishment should be strict as to instil the differences between right and wrong. In previous generations physical punishment was applied but with changing times and beliefs a more passive form of punishment such as grounding or removal of privileges occurs – if tabula rasa is to be followed then by physically punishing our children will surely only teach them that violence is to be tolerated. The belief that children who behave badly have been corrupted by adults is more widespread throughout Western societies and is discussed in detail in Chapter 2, where the lack of a strict moral code and relaxed parental responsibility is often blamed for violent crimes committed by children. Melanie Phillips, a newspaper columnist suggested that the “growing dismemberment of the family and the catastrophic failure of parenting” is leaving children in social and emotional turmoil and those families “seem increasingly unable or unwilling to set boundaries that civilise and socialise children…it gives its children no discipline, puts its own freedom first and blames everything but itself for the abandonment of the young… (Phillips 2001). After reading this quote I felt one word spring to mind – selfish - and unfortunately this is often the word that we as adults, aim at children. In comparison you have the Romantic and Puritan discourses. The Romantic discourse refers to the idea that children are born innocent and naturally good and any negative behaviour they exhibit is because they either do not know what they are doing or because they are responding to neglect or harm. The Puritan discourse holds the opposing view of a happy, carefree innocent child. It believes children are born sinful and if left to their own devices, will be evil and unruly. The Romantic discourse differs as adults perceive that childhood should be a special time where the happiness of a child is paramount and they should be shielded from oppressive adult authority. Exponents of the Romantic discourse uphold the view that children should be protected from inappropriate topics such as sex and violence and therefore exposure to these topics should not occur. They also argue that children should not be punished for any wrong doing; instead they should be forgiven and given assistance to ensure their rehabilitation. The Puritan discourse believes that by administering parental control and education, children can be civilised. Thomas Hobbes’ – English philosopher - (1588–1679) views on control and discipline were not solely reserved for children; he believed that society as a whole needed to controlled to ensure morality and mortality. Children need to be controlled to ensure they demonstrate acceptable behaviour and that it is the role of the parents to promote strict discipline and administer punishment. Discourses play an active part and have an impact on how parents treat and view their children. In Audio 1 Band 2 of the course materials, one of the parents, Shafia, discussed the need she felt to discipline her daughter Maya to stop her becoming unruly and control her behaviour. This controlling view can be associated with the puritan discourse; whilst Ruben and Brenda, anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, were of the opinion that equality should be at the forefront in their family life. They wanted to create a home life where their son was free to ask questions without the power of authority hindering him, which seems to be following the Romantic discourse. In Chittagong, Bangladesh, Nazarene followed the tabula rasa discourse creating a balance with routine and clear boundaries of what is expected of her children. She educated them from an early age and wanted her children to be open and free, independent to make the right decisions in life. In conclusion, the way we view children through whichever discourse we adopt, will have a significant impact on our dealings with them. The tabula rasa discourse shapes our perceptions of childhood by instilling the belief that our actions will determine the outcomes of our children’s lives. The tabula rasa theory is that children are blank slates and are shaped by adults and whilst to some extent I agree, if you have an adult that is corrupt and they in turn corrupt/abuse their children, it forms a vicious circle that would be difficult to break. Each of the 3 discourses discussed are very black and white in their views, good, bad or blank, and I feel that children are a mixture of all of these and more. By creating clear boundaries and expectations and setting an example we can educate our children into responsible, caring, well-educated citizens. I also feel that these discourses are still very much prevalent in today’s society and that the discourse we uphold will have a day to day impact on the children involved. If we as adults want a better life for our children and a better world for them to live in, then ultimately it is our responsibility to teach our children right from wrong, uphold morals and to help each other. References: PHILLIPS, M. (2001) A new strain of cruelty possesses the young, Sunday Times, London, 13 June 2001, p.17.