Reading Response 10

.docx

School

Trinity Western University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

136

Subject

Sociology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by DeanArtStork43 on coursehero.com

Unit- 10. Childhood Question: Why? What in the background of those families made child labour at least somewhat more acceptable. What interests you most from this chapter? Do you think that Belshaw’s approach is traditional or revisionist? Answer:  In the middle and late 1800s, French Canadian families accepted child labor for a number of reasons. First of all, the economic conditions at the time were difficult, and families often depended on all members, including children, to contribute to household income.  Young orphans were bound or indentured to non-relatives as household workers or servants. The loss of a parent in these cases necessitated an early start in the labour force.  Secondly, the cultural background of these families also played an important role. A large number of French-Canadian families originated from rural areas where children were expected to work on the farm from an early age. As a result, the concept of child labor was not foreign to them or shocking to them.  What interests me most from this chapter is the exploration of societal norms and values during this period. It is a stark contrast to the understanding and acceptance of child labor that currently prevails in our society. I find it fascinating to observe how economic necessity and cultural norms can influence societal behavior.  As for Belshaw's approach, it appears to be more progressive than traditional. Rather than portraying child labor as an anomaly, he shows it as a product of the economic conditions of the time. In this manner, readers are encouraged to view history from a different perspective, taking into account the context in which events occurred rather than evaluating them from a modern perspective. My Questions As I see it, the trend in the early 19th century towards children leaving their families to establish their own kin networks represents a significant departure from longstanding cultural norms in Canada. Through this transition, external institutions like the Church and employers gained greater authority and influence, which affected even the youngest members of society. As well, the application of English common law, which treated children as adults in terms of labor, created challenging work conditions for young people. During this time period, children as young

as eight years of age were expected to perform strenuous tasks, such as working in coal mines. Industrialization and urbanization have changed some of these family relationships, some of which were very old. As factories and towns grew, more and more members of working families had to leave their homes in order to find employment. As a result, the home no longer served as a place of employment. There was no difference between children and adults in this regard. 1. Would you consider Belshaw's portrayal of childhood and labor in Montreal to challenge traditional historical perspectives or to offer a fresh insight into this period of time? 2. Why do you believe that child labor was prevalent in Montreal's factories during the 19th century? How does this reflect broader socio-economic conditions and cultural norms of the time?

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Pearson College Div

Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780393639407

Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...

Sociology

ISBN:9781305503076

Author:Earl R. Babbie

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...

Sociology

ISBN:9780134477596

Author:Saferstein, Richard

Publisher:PEARSON

Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134205571

Author:James M. Henslin

Publisher:PEARSON

Society: The Basics (14th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134206325

Author:John J. Macionis

Publisher:PEARSON

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Pearson College Div
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780393639407
Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...
Sociology
ISBN:9781305503076
Author:Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...
Sociology
ISBN:9780134477596
Author:Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:PEARSON
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134205571
Author:James M. Henslin
Publisher:PEARSON
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134206325
Author:John J. Macionis
Publisher:PEARSON