The History of Childhood

Paradigm Shifts in Western Childhood

Children in the Middle Ages:500-1450 (Europe)• Infancy is the only period of

“childhood”• Once a child is able to eat, sleep, dress,

and act independently. Children expected to enter adult society

• Lower class children worked on the family property. Upper class children were apprentices/courtiers.

• Young people take on the work of an adult as they are able.

• Children Acculturated/Not Educated.• Children dressed and acted as adults --

with what exceptions?• Who is excluded from this paradigm?

Children in the Renaissance: 1400-1550 (Europe)

• Infancy is “childhood”

• More and more noble children are tutored before they become courtiers.

• Children’s “games” are preparation for adulthood with serious consequences.

• Children are “workers” in all classes.

• Lower classes work at home. Upper class children are sent off.

• Children dressed and acted as adults with the noted exceptions.

• Apprenticeship Leagues Begin

• Who is excluded from this paradigm?

Children in the Reformation1500-1650 (Europe)

• Infancy is “childhood”

• Age of Reason Established

• Religious Education Essential

• Children still seen as workers. Their role depends on their class.

• The Work Ethic Established

• Children are still seen as little adults.

• Grammar Schools Begin

• Who is excluded from this paradigm?

Children in the Enlightenment: 1650- 1790(Europe)

• Children as a Blank Slate (Locke 1690s)

• Children learn through Experience

• Proper Experience = Education

• Children still seen as workers in the lower class. Upper class children can still be apprenticed/courtiers.

• Noble Children are Pretty Toys

• Children dressed and acted as adults with the noted exceptions.

• Beginning of Children’s Literature for entertainment (1740s Newbery)

• Who is excluded from this paradigm?

Children in the Industrial Revolution:1790-1850 ( US)

• Children as a Blank Slate

• Upper Class Children Staying with their families.

• Children learn through Experience

• Massive Urbanization & Colonization

• Children as Laborers Essential to lower class families in farming and industry.

• Beginning of national school systems

• Growth of Children’s Literature

• Increasing Immigration

• Children as “innocent” (Pastoral)

• Boom in children’s toys and clothing

• Who is excluded from this paradigm?

Children in the Gilded Age: 1850 -1918 (United States)

• Education is Mandatory

• First Children’s Room in a library (1890)

• New laws to protect children

• Golden Era of Children’s Literature (1860s-1930s)

• Growth of the Middle Class

• Growth of child services

• Children as “innocent”

• Massive Immigration/Assimilation

• Adolescence as a separate stage.

• Who is excluded from this paradigm?