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10,000 BCE
First agricultural societies
The first agricultural societies develop, leading to significant changes in child rearing, including the introduction of violence in child discipline. Childhood is not valued by hunter-gatherers and children are treated as young adults. Most children die before the age of five due to disease, accidents and neglect. -
Period: 5000 BCE to 2000 BCE
Ancient Mesopotamia
In ancient Mesopotamia, children were considered the property of their parents, had no rights of their own and could be sold as slaves and sacrificed to the gods. -
4000 BCE
Child exploitation
In ancient cultures, such as Egyptian, Greek and Roman, childhood was not considered a separate stage of life. Children were considered miniature adults and were treated as such. They were often assigned tasks and responsibilities that were beyond their physical or mental capacity. -
3000 BCE
Child exploitation
Agrarian societies begin to emerge, and children are seen as a source of cheap labor. Children are raised to be obedient and work in agriculture or handicrafts. High rates of infanticide and child abandonment occur due to lack of resources and the desire to keep labor costs low. -
1500 BCE
Education and discipline
The role of parents in educating children and in their physical discipline is emphasized. Weak or sick newborns are abandoned. -
Period: 1400 BCE to 1200 BCE
Greece
In Greece, children are believed to be inferior beings and it is not considered important to educate them until the age of seven. Most children are abandoned to their fate or enslaved. -
1200 BCE
Vulnerability and dependence
The Judeo-Christian religion begins to influence the concept of childhood. The story of Abraham and his son Isaac leads to the belief that children are the property of parents and that God can command them to sacrifice their children. In the Hebrew Bible, several stories of childhood are mentioned that show an awareness of the vulnerability and dependence of children. For example, the story of Moses in the basket of bulrushes, and the story of King David and Bathsheba. -
Period: 800 BCE to 146 BCE
Ancient Greece
- Children were seen as the property of the father, and girls were considered less valuable than boys.
- Newborns who were considered weak or unwanted were abandoned or sacrificed.
- Children were primarily educated by their parents and were expected to learn skills such as reading, writing and music.
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Period: 753 BCE to 476
Ancient Rome
- Children were seen as the property of the father and had no rights of their own.
- Infanticide was common, especially of girls and children with disabilities.
- Children were primarily educated by their parents and were expected to learn skills such as reading, writing, and rhetoric.
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Period: 700 BCE to 500 BCE
Athens
Education focuses on civic training, but is limited to upper-class male children. Women and slaves are excluded. -
Period: 500 BCE to 401 BCE
Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, laws are enacted to protect children from abusive parents and institutions are established for their care. Sick or disabled children are sacrificed. -
Period: 400 BCE to 301 BCE
European Middle Ages
In the European Middle Ages, childhood is considered a separate stage of life and children are the object of affection and care. The role of mothers is emphasized and schools for children are established. Physical discipline is still common. -
Period: 400 BCE to 200 BCE
Rome
Children are seen as the property of the father and infanticide is common. Education was limited to upper class children. -
300 BCE
Plato and Aristotle
In ancient Greece and Rome, children were seen as the property of parents, and the exposure of unwanted children was still common. However, the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle begin to emphasize the importance of child education and virtue. Aristotle's ideas about the innate nature of the child and his or her ability to learn through experience influence Western education for centuries. -
1 CE
Christianism influence
In Christianity, Jesus shows special attention and affection for children, which contributes to the perception of childhood as an important stage of life. -
Period: 476 to 1453
Middle Ages
- Children were seen as the property of the parents and had no rights of their own.
- Infant mortality was high, and parents were expected to have many children to ensure the survival of the family.
- Children were mainly educated by the church and were taught to read and write in order to read the bible.
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Period: 500 to 1000
Medieval Europe
Children are seen as innocent and pure, but also as sinners. Children are educated in the Christian faith from an early age and childish behavior is often punished. -
1000
Childhood in Medieval societies
Medieval societies see a decrease in infanticide and child neglect due to the influence of the Christian church. Children are considered a blessing from God and the responsibility of parents to raise and educate their children is emphasized. Children begin to be seen as innocent and vulnerable beings, but they are still seen as little adults and are expected to work hard and contribute to the family from an early age. -
Period: 1453 to
Renaissance
- The concept of childhood began to change, and children began to be seen as innocent and pure beings.
- Emphasis was placed on early education and the belief that children were like "blank slabs" that could be molded through education.
- Toys and games designed specifically for children appeared.
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1500
Childhood in Renaissance
The Renaissance leads to a greater emphasis on children's education and the idea that children have a unique and different nature from adults. Children's books begin to emerge, and parents begin to be more concerned about their children's emotional well-being. However, corporal punishment is still common, and children are seen as the property of their parents. -
Period: 1500 to
Reformation in Europe
Discipline and home schooling are emphasized. Schooling becomes more common, but is still limited to upper-class children. -
1503
"The Book of the Courtier"
In the Renaissance, the book "The Book of the Courtier" by Baldassare Castiglione is published, where the importance of children's education is emphasized and the basis for humanistic education is established. -
Child labor in mines
In England, a law is passed prohibiting child labor in mines. -
Period: to
Enlightenment
Philosophers begin to think of childhood as a developmental stage and the importance of early education. Excessive physical discipline is criticized.
- The importance of childhood as a unique stage of development began to be recognized.
- Emphasis was placed on early education and schools for younger children were established.
- It was believed that children needed love and attention from their parents in order to grow up healthy and happy. -
Childhood in Enlightenment
The Enlightenment leads to a greater emphasis on reason and rational education for children. The idea that children have a right to be educated and protected by the state begins to emerge, and the first public schools are created. -
Period: to
Enlightenment in Europe
The Enlightenment brings with it the idea of reason and progress. Children are seen as innocent beings and education becomes more common, but it is still limited to upper class children. -
Period: to
18th Century
- There was a radical change in the way children were viewed, and they began to be seen as innocent and vulnerable beings in need of protection.
- New ideas about children's education appeared, and the importance of play and exploration was emphasized.
- There was an increase in children's literature and textbooks.
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"La Maison de l'Enfance"
In France, the first institution dedicated to the care of abandoned children, known as "La Maison de l'Enfance", was created. -
"Thoughts upon Female Education"
In the United States, Benjamin Rush publishes "Thoughts upon Female Education", which stresses the importance of women's education and lays the foundations for feminist education. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
In Europe and America, the Industrial Revolution brings with it the industrialization of childhood. Children are sent to work in factories and mines, and are seen as cheap labor. Social reformers appear and fight for the protection of children's rights. -
Period: to
Victorian Era
- Childhood is idealized and the protection and education of children is emphasized. Laws are established to protect children from labor exploitation and abuse. Compulsory elementary schools are established.
- The modern concept of childhood is created, which is seen as a separate and distinct stage of adult life. The idea that children need a safe and secure environment to grow and develop is promoted.
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Primary education
In England, the first law establishing compulsory primary education for children is enacted. -
First kindergarten
In Germany, Friedrich Froebel founded the first kindergarten, an educational space for the youngest children. -
First SPCC
In England, the first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) was created, marking the beginning of a global movement to protect children from violence and abuse. -
Period: to
Childhood education movement
The early childhood education movement began to emerge around the world. The first preschools for young children were established and new theories of child development were developed. -
Freud's psychoanalysis
Freud's psychoanalysis gave rise to new theories about child development and the importance of the parent-child relationship. The importance of play and symbolic play in child development was recognized. -
Period: to
Concept of Childhood
In Europe and America, childhood is considered a period of development and growth. The concept of "childhood" is created and the importance of education and care for children is emphasized. -
Period: to
20th Century
Psychology and pedagogy become academic disciplines and the importance of early childhood to human development is emphasized. Laws are established to protect children from neglect and abuse, and child welfare policies are established. -
Period: to
Concept of Childhood
In Europe and America, childhood is considered a period of innocence and happiness. Leisure and recreation are promoted for children. -
Period: to
Concept of Childhood
In Europe and America, childhood is considered a period of protection and care. The importance of child health and safety is emphasized, and laws and regulations are created to protect children. -
Period: to
Concept of Childhood
In Europe and America, childhood is considered a period of personal growth and development. They emphasized the importance of education and equal opportunity. -
Sumerian civilization law
In the Sumerian civilization, the first written law is enacted that establishes punishment for those who harm children.