Ideas of childhood began as early as the medieval era in which childhood was not considered as a period in which all human go through. This essay argues that attitudes towards children have radically changed as a result of social and technological developments. First, this essay will be defining the various definitions of childhood throughout the centuries. Following this, it will demonstrate ways in which the influence of adults help mould the concept of childhood. Finally, by using sources of both past and present, this essay will discuss the development of ideas about childhood which was the result of the changes in the lives of children.
With the passing of time, childhood had taken upon multiple meanings and should not be mistaken for …show more content…
Shuttle worth argues that “Children in the Victorian age, as now, were not granted a legal voice” (Sally 2004 p.108). This unthoughtful behaviour towards the children of the Victorian age displays that the concept of childhood indeed had “imprecision, and indeed confusion” (Sally S, 2004 p.108). During the Victorian and Medieval age, public spaces and people’s lives were more open compared to our very secretive society of today. Children were more influenced by actions of adults as they were constantly exposed to the public. And as Aries (1960 p.125) states: “As soon as the child could live without the constant solicitude of his mother… he belonged to adult society”. With the constant influence of adult society, children were blindly taught these adult principles and naturally acted more like adults which is why during the Medieval and Victorian age, children were looked upon as smaller versions of …show more content…
Education in the 20th century is one factor society uses to distinguish between the phase childhood and adulthood. With the difference between lower and upper class families, all children experience a different childhood and to determine an actual definition is difficult to comprehend as it requires multiple perspectives from different people of social status. For example, a person of lower class status might recognise childhood as a period of work and considered as an adult. However, someone from a higher class status might value this phase of childhood and treat this phase as a time of development into their early adult
With the passing of time, childhood had taken upon multiple meanings and should not be mistaken for …show more content…
Shuttle worth argues that “Children in the Victorian age, as now, were not granted a legal voice” (Sally 2004 p.108). This unthoughtful behaviour towards the children of the Victorian age displays that the concept of childhood indeed had “imprecision, and indeed confusion” (Sally S, 2004 p.108). During the Victorian and Medieval age, public spaces and people’s lives were more open compared to our very secretive society of today. Children were more influenced by actions of adults as they were constantly exposed to the public. And as Aries (1960 p.125) states: “As soon as the child could live without the constant solicitude of his mother… he belonged to adult society”. With the constant influence of adult society, children were blindly taught these adult principles and naturally acted more like adults which is why during the Medieval and Victorian age, children were looked upon as smaller versions of …show more content…
Education in the 20th century is one factor society uses to distinguish between the phase childhood and adulthood. With the difference between lower and upper class families, all children experience a different childhood and to determine an actual definition is difficult to comprehend as it requires multiple perspectives from different people of social status. For example, a person of lower class status might recognise childhood as a period of work and considered as an adult. However, someone from a higher class status might value this phase of childhood and treat this phase as a time of development into their early adult