power relationships between parents and children

changes in power relationships

it can be argued that the balance of power between parents and children has shifted as families have become more democratic generally

age patriarchy

adults are still more powerful than children and young people

examples of ‘age patriarchy’

• children are financially dependent on parents until they are at least 16

• the law gives parents authority over children

• children do no receive full adult rights until they are 18, e.g. cannot vote

• many parents still make major decision, e.g. moving house, with little reference to their children

• many children suffer abuse from adults

palmer

many children now experience toxic childhood, e.g. they are exposed to junk food, excessive computer games and a lack of love/discipline from parents forced to work long hours