The Evolution of Childhood

By gianellard
  • 500 BCE

    Ancient Greece and Rome (500 B.C.E. - 400 C.E)

    Ancient Greece and Rome (500 B.C.E. - 400 C.E)
    Greece
    - When a child was born it was not regarded as a person until it was five days old
    - Parents were entitled, by law, to abandon newborn babies to die of exposure
    - Girls learned skills from their mothers. Boys from better-off families went to school
    - Discipline was severe and children were often beaten
    Rome
    - Children went to a primary school at the age of 7 to learn how to read and write and do simple arithmetic
    - Many of the inhabitants of Rome were slaves.
  • 500

    Middle Ages (500 - 1400–1500 ce)

    Middle Ages (500 - 1400–1500 ce)
    • Children didn´t have a place in society. The adults were not aware of their growth and maturity process
    • Children were considered "bad beings" with punishable tendencies. Adults were concerned with "molding" them
    • Physical punishment was very common and had a double function: purify the child and unload the emotional weight of the adult

  • 17th Century (1601 – 1700)

    17th Century (1601 – 1700)
    • The modern feeling of childhood appears
    • In this age, pediatrics and scientific views towards childhood are born.
    • Parents develop a caring attitude towards their children
    • There was a notable decrease in child mortality

  • 19th Century (1801 – 1900)

    19th Century (1801 – 1900)
    • This age focuses on nurturing and guidance, rather than dominating the child´s will
    • Educational treatises focused on the socialization of the child
    • For the first time, parents were systematically interested in their chidren
    • There is a pedagogical concern for the protection of children

  • 20th Century (1901 – 2000)

    20th Century (1901 – 2000)
    • The relationship with children is empathic
    • There´s an interest in each individual child´s characteristics, in understanding their needs and enhancing their skills
    • The parent´s attitude is patient and dedicated so that their children grow up in a pleasant and caring environment

  • 21st Century (2001 – 2100)

    21st Century (2001 – 2100)
    • Parents are increasingly advocating for their children and playing an active role in their education
    • Safer environments and better regulations have helped reduce child mortality
    • New technologies empower children’s self-expression, information seeking and socialization
    • Children’s lives have improved: better health care, public safety, and support for their physical and mental well-being