March of Progress vs conflict view of childhood
Two opposing views: March of Progress sees childhood development from Victorian exploitation to modern protection as genuine improvement; conflict view sees modern childhood as serving capitalist interests through educational achievement and consumption.
Real World
The UK's 2023 Online Safety Act, requiring age verification on pornography sites, reflects a March of Progress belief that the state must protect childhood innocence; Marxists would counter it also keeps children in a controlled consumer space.
Exam Focus
Distinguish the two views clearly — examiners penalise conflation; state which sociologist/perspective supports each side before evaluating.
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