Social Construction Of Children

The social constructions of children and childhood are highly represented through contemporary children’s culture. The issue with social constructions of children and childhood set assumptions that often devalue their role and statues in society. Interestingly, this is comparable to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), in which defines every child under the age of eighteen. Although their principles encompass international human rights of dignity, equality and respect, it does not necessarily work in their best interest. Hence, the term “international” is geared towards a universal child/childhood, which clearly emphasizes standardized norms and specific rights representing the West. This becomes problematic because
This protectionist attitude has existed since Rousseau introduced the romantic discourse that believes childhood is a time of innocence and that adults’ responsibility is to protect them. Similarly, the DHS has completely violated on its citizens rights to privacy and informed use of technology, as a way to “protect” them from another terrorist attack. This evidently leaves Marcus and his friends in constant surveillance by the DHS, to be supervise of their every move, whether it may be physically or technologically. On the other hand, the issue of the portrayal in media is mentioned in Leistyna’s article. She argues that the media has a strong influence on how to perceive people and is often stereotypical, which she calls this “constructing tales” (340). These stereotypical attitudes are norms of the political economy that bring stories into reality and become naturalized in society (Prof. Gennaro 2017). This is evident in the novel when Marcus discovers that terrorists are not only “brown Arabs with big beards and knits caps and loose cotton dresses” [but] they can be anyone (509; ch. 3). In another example, the media coverage on the demonstration at Dolores Park was perceived as a “riot” and Xnetters were labeled as a tool of recruiting terrorists (2386; ch. 13). This shows that the media coverage is integrated from a
This essay highlighted the importance in practice of resistance within contemporary children and young people through the use of media platforms and digital technologies. However, it brings attention to the importance of understanding and recognizing that these authoritarian states/regimes and the oppressive social relations have set negative representations, ideologies and stereotypes, which has fabricated stories in the media and has become naturalized and accepted in society. It brings attention to the conflicting/corrupt system of the government and its laws and regulations through protectionist attitudes by invading peoples’ privacy. It brings attention to undermining peoples’ will to freedom of speech, rights and justice on issues concerning them and others. It brings attention to how contemporary children’s culture is affected by all these influencing factors, in which their behaviours and practices do not reflect their true identity and personalities. In conclusion, this act of resistance is a stepping-stone for true democratic progress through which contemporary children and young people can better identify the realities that shape their lives. Therefore, it is important for children and young people to be informed