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?