Final answer:
Child-rearing in the 1980s was significantly shaped by consumer culture and societal class, with television advertising influencing consumer awareness in children and parenting styles differing based on socioeconomic status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing Child Rearing from the 1980s to Present Day
In the 1980s, children's upbringing was notably influenced by the decade's consumer culture. Advertising to children was prominent, with popular cartoons doubling as marketing for toy lines, such as My Little Ponies, Care Bears, He-Man, and G.I. Joe. These shows blurred the lines between programming and marketing, making children aware of consumer goods.
Societal class played a significant role in child-rearing practices. For instance, lower-income families often emphasized size obedience and conformity, preparing children for jobs similar to those held by their parents. On the contrary, higher-income families prioritized developing judgment and creativity, aligning with the skillsets required for managerial and problem-solving careers.
Today, these distinctions remain. Parents from affluent backgrounds may actively foster their children’s talents and skills, while less wealthy parents might adopt an "accomplishment of natural growth" strategy, allowing for greater independence in their children's development. Additionally, modern child rearing must navigate changing attitudes towards discipline with actions such as corporal punishment now largely considered unacceptable.
Both historically and currently, children also tend to absorb the political beliefs and attitudes of their parents, showcasing another aspect of social influence on upbringing. But today's landscape includes new societal pressures such as digital media influence, the phenomenon of 'helicopter parenting,' and increasing focus on early childhood development and education.