Children and Society module (PD20055)

As traditional views of childhood are being challenged, families and communities are changing under societal influence. Therefore, it is important that practitioners consider their views on the child as an active participant in social relationships and learning.

This module provides you with the opportunity to evaluate the impact of society and culture on the child and evaluate your own values, attitudes, and principles in practice. 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the dynamic nature of society and how it influences children as well as family, community, and childhood practice
• analyse the concept of childhood in contemporary society
• gain an understanding of how childhood is constructed and reflect on the factors influencing its construction
• learn about social, emotional, and cultural theories and reflect on how these link to practice
• learn about current local and global influences on children's development within contemporary society

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• identify, discuss, and debate the changes and influences on families and communities in the current century
• identify and discuss society’s views of the child and childhood
• discuss and debate how practice can be adapted to meet the changes and expectations of society, communities, and families
• discuss how current policies at local, national, and international levels affect professional practice

Assignments / assessment

• discursive essay 2,000 words (100%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• live online sessions
• other online activities
  • i.e. online discussions
• online self-study
• online webinars
  • recorded and embedded within the module

This module is part of a distance learning programme. You will learn in a variety of ways, most of which is situated within the virtual learning environment, Blackboard.

You have some flexibility to work through materials at your own pace, allowing for work and life commitments.