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Period: 1391 BCE to 374 BCE
INFANTICIDE AND DEATH
Infanticide was a regular practice. Children were often abandoned, starved, or directly killed. -
Period: 367 BCE to
Abandonment, Nursing and swaddling
⭕Abandonment: Historically, children were often abandoned or sent away from their parents for various reasons, including being sold into slavery, used as hostages, or fostered by other families. ⭕Nursing: Wet-nursing, where infants were sent to be nursed by another woman. Many mothers, even if they could afford it, chose not to breastfeed their infants. ⭕Swaddling: Swaddling, the practice of wrapping infants tightly in cloth, was widespread throughout history. -
248 BCE
Plato - Importance of education
An ancient Greek philosopher, he argued that early education was crucial in shaping human behavior. He advocated for an egalitarian education, training children in ethical values and basic skills. His ideas still influence the understanding of human nature and the formation of virtuous citizens. -
Period: 1300 to
Ambivalent Timespan
⭕Education and Labor: There was a growing recognition of the importance of education for children, but child labor was still prevalent in many societies. ⭕Parental Affection vs. Harsh Discipline: Parents might have shown affection, but harsh disciplinary practices were also common. ⭕Individual Needs vs. Societal Expectations: There was an increasing understanding of children’s individual needs and rights, but societal expectations and norms often took precedence. -
John Locke - Tabula Rasa
Refers to the original state of human consciousness, like a book with blank pages, with each generation waiting to be written. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Emile, or On Education
Philosopher who introduced the idea of “natural education”, suggesting that children should be allowed to develop naturally. -
William Buchan - Infancy improper management
William Buchan said “almost one half of the human species perish in infancy by improper management or neglect.“ -
Period: to
Socializing Timespan
This period represents a significant shift in attitudes towards childrearing, with a greater focus on socializing the child and preparing them for societal roles -
Period: to
Helping Timespan
This period represents a significant shift in attitudes towards childrearing, with a greater focus on nurturing, understanding, and supporting the child’s development. -
Freud's psychosexual theory
Freud develops the psychosexual theory, trying to explain the behaviors of the human being, starting from internal conflicts that appear during childhood, affecting subsequently the behaviors of the individual. -
Philippe Ariès - Centuries of Childhood
A French historian who argued in his book “Centuries of Childhood” that the concept of childhood did not exist in the Middle Ages. -
Psychogenic Theory and The evolution of childhood
The potential of psychogenic theory to provide new insights into historical change and societal evolution. It emphasizes the role of childhood experiences and care in shaping societal values and behaviors. The theory is seen as a promising tool for future historical research. -
Actual Conception of Childhood
The conception of childhood has evolved significantly over time and varies across cultures. In many societies, childhood is seen as a distinct stage of life, separate from adulthood, characterized by growth, development, and learning. It’s often associated with innocence and dependency, requiring protection and care from adults.