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Period: 3500 BCE to 2500 BCE
Mesopotamia and Egypt
In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, children were seen as a divine blessing, and male children were considered especially valuable. -
3000 BCE
Patriarchy
Both Mesopotamian and Egyptian societies had a strong patriarchal structure, and children were expected to show respect and obedience to their fathers. Boys were often involved in physical training to prepare them for military service, while girls were expected to marry and manage households. -
2000 BCE
Education in Egypt
Egyptian society placed great importance on education, and boys and girls were educated separately. Boys learned reading, writing, and arithmetic, while girls were taught domestic skills such as cooking and sewing. Children of the nobility received a more extensive education, learning about religion, history, and politics. -
Period: 776 BCE to 476
Greece and Rome
In Greece and Rome, children were considered the father's property, and they were taught about gender roles and the importance of virtue. -
200
Tradition
In ancient Greece, there was a tradition of pederasty, in which an older man would mentor a younger boy and engage in a sexual relationship with him. This practice was seen as a way of transmitting knowledge and values to the younger generation. -
300
Discipline
Roman children were expected to show respect for their parents and elders, and discipline was often harsh. Children were not exempt from punishment by the law, and in some cases, they could be put to death for serious crimes. -
Period: 500 to 1500
Middle Age
During the Middle Ages in Europe, children were believed to be inherently sinful and needed to be disciplined to purify their souls. -
800
High role of Church
The Church played an important role in shaping attitudes towards childhood during the Middle Ages. Children were seen as innocent and in need of guidance, and the Church emphasized the importance of baptism and religious education. -
1000
Miniature adults
In many parts of Europe, the concept of childhood as a distinct phase of life did not exist during the Middle Ages. Children were seen as miniature adults and were expected to work and contribute to the family's economic well-being. -
1200
Privilege
Children from noble families received a more privileged upbringing and were educated in reading, writing, and other subjects. Boys were often trained for knighthood or military service, while girls were taught domestic skills and prepared for marriage. -
Period: 1300 to
Renaissance
During the Renaissance, childhood began to be viewed as a unique stage in life that required specialized education. Children were seen as more innocent and were encouraged to explore and play. -
1400
Distinct phase of life
The concept of childhood as a distinct phase of life began to emerge during the Renaissance, with children being seen as innocent and in need of protection. Childhood was also seen as a time of play and leisure, with an emphasis on developing social skills and artistic talents. -
1500
Children literature
The printing press, which was invented in the 15th century, revolutionized the production and dissemination of books. This led to an explosion in children's literature, with the first books specifically designed for children appearing during the Renaissance. -
Period: to
Enlightenment
During the Enlightenment, childhood was viewed as a critical stage in human development that required a scientific and educational approach. New theories about child education were developed, and schools and orphanages were created for children. -
Rationality and self-discipline
The concept of childhood continued to evolve during the Enlightenment, with children being seen as innocent and in need of guidance and protection. Childhood was also seen as a time of education and moral development, with an emphasis on rationality and self-discipline. -
Period: to
Industrial era
During the Industrial era, childhood was impacted by poverty and child labor. Many children worked long hours in factories and mines, and education became a luxury for the poorest families. -
Importance of family
The growth of urbanization and the decline of traditional forms of work led to a decline in the importance of the family in shaping childhood during the Industrial Era. Many children spent long hours working in factories and had little time for play or family life. -
Period: to
Freud Era
Sigmund Freud developed theories about childhood psychological development and the importance of childhood in shaping personality. -
Psychoanalysis
Freud's work contributed to a growing interest in child psychology and psychoanalysis, which led to the development of new forms of therapy and treatment for children with psychological problem. -
Period: to
Early 20th century
During this period, laws were passed to protect children from labor exploitation and abuse, and government programs were established to support child welfare. -
The Fair Labor Standards Act
The Fair Labor Standards Act was enacted in 1938, which made it illegal for most children below the age of 16 to be employed in the industrial sector. -
Period: to
1960s and 1980s
In the 1960s and 1970s, there was an increase in attention and support for early childhood education, and the establishment of nurseries and kindergartens. -
Preschool programs
The 1960s saw a growing awareness of the importance of early childhood development, with many countries establishing preschool programs and other early childhood education initiatives. -
Period: to
Late 20th century
In the late 20th century, there was a greater emphasis on the importance of children's emotional and mental well-being, as well as the promotion of gender equality and cultural diversity. -
Abuse and support
There was a growing concern about child abuse and neglect, with many countries enacting laws to protect children from abuse and providing support for families in crisis. -
Period: to
2000 to 2023
Today, there is continued emphasis on the importance of child education and the protection of children's rights, as well as the influence of technology on children's development and well-being. -
Technology
The 2010s saw a growing focus on the impact of technology on children, with many concerns about the effects of social media and other digital platforms on children's mental health and development.