CONCEPTS OF CHILDHOOD AND THEIR ASSOCIATED VULNERABILITIES

The position of children in our society, in relationship to other groups is the most vulnerable and subordinate one. Thus childhood is a time period in which children live their lives as well as a part of society which are being controlled by the adult world. Unfortunately this control of the adults, their care, protectiveness and guidance often creates an illusion among the adults to believe that a child's childhood is just an abstraction. Thus any decision taken on behalf of children, as mostly done in every society reflects an impact on the children as well as on the society. However, often these decisions leads to tragic loss, a loss reflected through wilful, intentional and preventable act of abuse. Such acts often occur right in the sanctity of the child's protective environment – the place where he/she ought to feel safe and protected from harm. This study traces out historically, the various concepts of childhood as portrayed through various studies and the associated vulnerability of children were discussed. It also reflected the ‘human becoming' nature of children – a nature which are changeable, incomplete, lacks the self-possession and self-control that would allow them the independence of thought and action gaining respect. Hence bounded by their defenceless situation, it becomes the role of the adults to take up decisions on their behalf - often leading to child abuse, exploitation and various other crimes, committed against children reflecting the outcomes of such decision-making power of the adults.