Children and Space, Monday June 1st
Transcript of Children and Space, Monday June 1st
The Country and the CityThe Changing Geography of Children’s Spaces
Both westward expansion and urbanization affected children in
profound ways – and children, in turn, made their mark on both as well.
Children of the City
PRIMARY SOURCES: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE
Historical Arguments
• Children came west without the same attachments their parents had, and thus gained a stronger connection with the new land v. children faced dangers, hardships, and difficult circumstances
• Children well treated (because their labor was needed) v. children neglected and abused
Children of the City
PRIMARY SOURCES: RAGGED DICK
• Immigrant children were molded by the values, pace, and priorities of the street.
• City children formed a common culture and depended on one other.
Children of the Suburb
Historical Implications
• Suburbs removed children from the “corrupting” influence of the city
• Suburban children were saved from the demands of farm labor
• Suburban children’s lives focused on school and new patterns of play
1950s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCO6smQrjJ8
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txcRQedoEyY
What do you think is the ideal geography for raising children?
What about your childhood? In what geography did you grow up?