Urn cambridge.org id binary 20161212084623244 0200 s0268416016000254 s0268416016000254 fig2g

Childhood in history

By ilbaena
  • Pre-industrial era (before the 18th century):

    Pre-industrial era (before the 18th century):

    Children are often seen as miniature adults and, due to high infant mortality and harsh living conditions, are expected to contribute to household chores at an early age. Emotional investment in a single child is minimal, and families often have many children because of the expectation of infant mortality.
  • 18th century enlightenment:

    18th century enlightenment:

    The Enlightenment, led by philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, challenged the idea of children as small adults. Rousseau emphasized the importance of upbringing and education in the development of children and popularized the idea of childhood innocence and the need to protect and provide for children.
  • Industrialization in the 19th century:

    Industrialization in the 19th century:

    Industrialization changed family structures and work patterns, leading to widespread child labor in factories and mines.
  • Progressivism in the early 20th century:

    Progressivism in the early 20th century:

    The Progressive Era focused on improving the welfare of children through legislation and social reforms, including child labor laws and compulsory education. It marks a shift in society to focus on child development education.
  • Freudian Influence and the Great Depression:

    Freudian Influence and the Great Depression:

    Freud's psychoanalytic theory introduces the role of the unconscious mind in child development. The Great Recession highlighted children's vulnerability to external conditions and affected their well-being.
  • Family dynamics in the mid-20th century:

    Family dynamics in the mid-20th century:

    The post-World War II boom created the nuclear family model, which emphasized child-centered parenting and education. Advances in psychology are helping to better understand the impact of early experiences on later outcomes.
  • 21st century (nowadays)

    21st century (nowadays)

    Technological advances such as television and the Internet have changed the experience of childhood. There are concerns about the impact of too much screen time and online safety on children's well-being which have fueled discussions about responsible digital parenting.Throughout history, the concept of childhood has evolved in response to changes in social, economic and technological circumstances.