Finding Nemo and Hannah Montana - the Notion of Childhood as a Social Construction - Movie Review Example

Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : xxxxxxxxxxx Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx Course : xxxxxxxxxxx @2012 Introduction The concept of childhood has been the center stage of contemporary media. Childhood has been defined using various multidisciplinary viewpoints whereby biologists, physiologists, sociologists and psychologists have given their explanations concerning the meaning of the concept of childhood. In defining childhood, sociologists Allison James and Alan Prout have defined childhood as a social construction. As such it provides an interpretive frame for contextualizing the early years of human life. In addition Prout and James (1997) highlight that childhood is distinct from biological immaturity, it is neither a natural nor a universal feature of human groups but appears as a specific structural and cultural component of many societies. With this definition in mind, this particular paper seeks to evaluate how the two films; finding nemo" (2003) and Hannah Montana, represent the idea of childhood. The movie Finding nemo (2003) represents the notion of childhood as a social construction as defined by Prout and James 1997. According to Prout and James (1997, p3) the concept of childhood as an aspect that is socially constructed implies that childhood can not only be described as a natural or biological process but rather is occurs as a result of the society which identifies and labels the phrase and also gives meaning to the concept of childhood. Prout and James (1997, p3) further highlight that the institution of childhood varies across cultures which further forms a cultural and structural component that is referred to as the society. When evaluating the film Finding nemo, the setting is within a great barrier reef an environment that is characterized by as a lot of great danger such as a dangerous fish known as the barracuda, which killed Nemo’s mother Coral. Based on this kind of environment or society the concept of childhood is socially constructed. We see that Nemo’s father Marlin; is greatly protective of his son at all times. Marlin is constantly fearful of the unpredictable risks that may be brought about by the ocean as a result he struggles in order to safeguard his son Nemo. From this sort of protection that is constantly given to Nemo, it can be stated that based environment or social setting of the ocean, a child is perceived as a human being that should always be protected because they can not effectively defend themselves. For instance , we see Nemo as a young fish, enthusiastic about exploring the mysteries that exist in the reef, however when unexpectedly Nemo is taken a distance that is far from away form home and driven to a fish tank that was presumed to be a dentists office , we see his father Marlin taking a heroic journey in order to rescue his son . Childhood as a social construction is also influenced by the fact that children must and are to be seen as active in determining and construction of their social lives, the lives of the people existing around them and the society in which they live. Jenks (2005) argues that children are not just passive but rather they are subjects of social process and structures. The movie brings about a conceptualization that children are supposed to be active in determining and constructing their social lives and the lives of the people around them. Initially we see that Nemo’s father Marlin is always protective of his son, he tries to protect him, for instance as he attends his first day in school, Marlin stands at a distance just to watch over his son. In addition, we see Marlin effortlessly trying to confront various dangers such as sees birds, man and sewer tankers in order to rescue his son after their separation. A good samaritan Dory however convinces Marlin to be a risk taker and be courageous by letting his son find his own way out. Marlin later realizes that a child should be active in constructing and determining their own social lives. Marlin finally let’s go of the protective nature that he had towards his son. He gives his son an opportunity to explore the world alone in despite of the fact that the society has many unpredictable dangers. The film Finding Nemo also presents childhood as a specific structural and cultural component of many societies in the 21st centaury. Newman (2011) highlights that during the industrial revolution children were perceived as economic necessities whereby they were also involved in working in the industries at an early age in order to earn income for the family. However, in the 20th and the 21st centaury, children are no longer perceived as economic necessities. This is because parents have recognized the emotional importance of children. Contemporary parents tend to perceive their children as sources of intimacy, and they less likely demand anything in return from their children. The modern social value of childhood is therefore not influenced by their labour but rather by the care and love they are believed to deserve. In the context of the Movie Finding Nemo, we see that Nemo is a contemporary child who is greatly cared about and loved by his parents. We see the mother even dying in order to protect the son from danger. In this case the movie depicts that the specific component of childhood is grounded on love and care for the child. The film Hannah Montana on the other hand is also depicts the aspect of childhood as a social construction. As highlighted by Prout and James (1997) that childhood is distinct from biological immaturity, the Film Hannah Montana eliminates the view that childhood is an aspect that entails biological immaturity. Although Hannah is perceived as young teenage girl, who is biologically immature, just capable of being a teenager and also attending school as usually. We see from the film that Hannah Montana has distinct attributes that are found in adults who are considered to be biologically mature. During the day we see Hannah as a normal teenage girl known as Miley Stewart. During the night however, Hannah is a renowned pop singer known as Hannah Montana (Bryson, 2011 ).What is evident from the movie is that childhood should not only perceived as an aspect of biologically immaturity , this is because children have the capability to undertake ventures that adults perform , if only a conducive and supportive environment is provided. The film Hannah Montana also reveals the analogy that childhood as a social construction is influenced by the fact that children must and are to be seen as active in determining and construction of their social lives, the lives of the people existing around them and the society in which they live (Jenks, 2005). In the film we see that Miley Stewart’s (Hannah Montana) father (Billy Ray Cyrus) is very supportive of his daughter’s endeavor as a famous pop star. We see him create for her a beautiful closet, with beautiful clothes and shoes that fit a celebrity or a pop singer. In addition the father constantly supports the daughter by training her on music and also accompanying her for the shows she performs during the night. What is depicted from the film is that children can indeed create and determine their social lives. In addition the film depicts that childhood is not just a perceive stage where children are just to be supported by their parents. In this context we that Hannah Montana play’s an active role, not only within the school environment but also within the wider entertainment industry. The film Hannah Montana also presents childhood as a specific structural and cultural component of many societies in the 21st centaury. Cannella and Diaz (2010) highlight that; contemporary childhood is materially and discursively entangled around the concept of global capitalism. According to Cannella and Diaz (2010) new spaces of capitalism are in most case aimed at appealing the young people and also children. In most cases the slogan used in this sort of capitalism is that youthfulness is an aspect that is highly desirable, in addition it is a commodity in itself. Cannella and Diaz (2010) highlights that the film Hannah Montana demostrates an incredible selling power of smooth capitalism and a smooth child. As a result many of the children admire Hannah Montana’s character; they admire her clothes, her singing and her personality. The film Hannah Montana also brings about a cultural illustration of childhood in the sense that children are supposed to be loved, cared for and supported. Bryson, (2011) highlights that; Billy Cyrus a music legend demonstrates a great relationship between daddy and daughter. The relationship between Billy Ray Cyrus and his daughter is a sentimental one, the characters depict that love is an essential aspect in the construction of childhood in contemporary society. Conclusion From the above discussion what is evident is that the two films Hannah Montana and Finding Nemo reveal that childhood is indeed a social construction. The films have indicated that childhood provides an interpretive frame for contextualizing the early years of human life. In addition childhood is distinct from biological immaturity; it is neither a natural nor a universal feature of human groups but appears as a specific structural and cultural component of many societies. In conclusion based on the highlighted points the two films bring to reality the definition of childhood as defined by Prout and James 1997. References Caannell ,G and Diaz, L,2010, Childhoods: A Handbook Rethinking Childhood, Peter Lang Publishing ,p312. Bryson, C, 2011, Hannah Montana - TV Show Review, Retrieved 22 May 2012, From Jenks, C, 2005,Childhood, Key Ideas, Routledge. Newman Study, 2011, Childhood as a Social Construction, Retrieved 22 May 2012 ,From Read More