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History of Childhood

Katie Weber & Chelsea Griffin

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Middle Ages

First ideas of childhood emerge.

They are seen as “objects” instead of their own persons.

Ex: Virgin and Child 15c The main focus is on the mother,

not the child.

Middle Ages

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17th and 18th centuryIn these centuries, children were seen as “miniature adults” as you can see in the picture.

They were part of community life because they were given jobs at a very young age.

+Beginning 17th Century

Children are beginning to be seen as a central part of the family.

In paintings from this era the child is shown as the main part of the picture with the parents surrounding them.

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18th CenturyChildren are beginning to be seen as individuals, but they were often portrayed as vulnerable and fragile, but sometimes as active and intelligent and free.

+19th Century

Children are seen as a inferior social class.

They don’t have their own voice, and parents/guardians make all the decisions for them

+20th Century

Children are getting a voice

Society is slowly starting to see them as their own being with their own ideas and opinions.

Still have a ways to go, but we’re getting there.