Introduction:
Karen Ferguson’s readings take a look at how capitalism influences kids. Ferguson claims that kids each benefit and prevent capitalism. She stresses the want to apprehend child labour exploitation and provide children with more possibilities. Ferguson analyzes the complex courting between adolescence and capitalism. As we rethink how capitalism affects children’s lives, we understand the gravity of the situation. Capitalism has normalized toddler abuse, from toddler labour to formative years of commercialization. An anthropologist from any other lifestyle would be appalled to peer youngsters denied their proper to play and increase in a steady and supportive placing. Thus, supporting social justice for kids and play is critical.
Step 1:
In her e-book “Panic Nation,” Clare Ferguson argues that capitalism has an extensive effect on childhood and children from capitalism. Ferguson claims that capitalism shapes youth by commodifying it as a stage of lifestyles to be commercialized and monetized. The marketplace financial system has created a considerable industry aimed at selling items and services to children and marketing to them, often exploiting their developmental vulnerabilities. In doing so, kids turn out to be both customers and producers, promoting a consumption tradition and hyper-consumerism. Capitalism also shapes childhood by enforcing a rigid structure of socialization and education, getting kids ready to be obedient and efficient destiny people, not lively residents.
On the other hand, kids are also from capitalism. They are crucial for the reproduction of exertions and the protection of the capitalist device. Children’s exertions are reasonably priced, flexible, and exploitable, making them an appealing source of exertion for capitalist corporations (Vogel, 2019). Furthermore, kids’ consumption possibilities power call for and shape markets as agencies tailor their products to enchant youngsters. Therefore, the commodification of adolescence and the exploitation of toddler labour creates a vicious cycle that advantages capitalism at the fee of children’s well-being and development.
Step 2:
Taking a step again and rethinking how capitalism shapes kids’ lives as destiny workers, the strategy of “making the acquainted strange” will become obvious that kids are frequently no longer allowed to be youngsters in many capitalist societies. As an anthropologist from another culture, it’s far hanging to see how kids are used as employees and how their childhoods are shortened via the marketplace’s needs. Children are often pressured to paint in risky situations and are denied the opportunity to play and study in secure and nurturing environments.
Moreover, children are often seen as expendable in many capitalist societies, as their hard work is cheap and, without difficulty, replaceable. This devalues youngsters’ contributions to society and disregards their rights as individuals. Instead, kids ought to take delivery of the opportunity to develop and increase as independent beings, with the liberty to play, study, and explore their interests. Children’s lives must be characterized by joy, creativity, and interest, not by market demands and the pressure to grow to be effective individuals in society.
To create a more simple and equitable society for youngsters, policymakers want to prioritize investments in kids’ health, education, and well-being. This includes offering access to first-rate healthcare, nutritious meals, safe housing, and high-quality early adolescence education. Additionally, policymakers must create legal guidelines and rules that guard youngsters’ rights, such as fair play and learning in safe environments free from exploitation and abuse. We will create a more equitable and simple society for all by valuing children and investing in their destinies.
Conclusion:
Karen Ferguson’s readings remove darkness from capitalism and infancy. Anthropologists can detect our gadget’s weaknesses and endorse changes. We must ensure children aren’t exploited for business and are given opportunities to grow and prosper. Play and early life can enhance future generations.
References
Vogel, L. (2019). Foreword. Social Reproduction Theory, x–xii. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1vz494j.4