This section contains 2,995 words (approx. 10 pages at 300 words per page) |
The Development of Childhood Throughout History
Summary: Describes how throughout the history of childhood development, poor social and economic conditions contributed to the many hardships and poor treatment of children. Explores the early "paternalist" family concept of the Middle Ages and discusses its evolution.
Throughout the history of childhood development poor social and economic conditions contributed to the many hardships and poor treatment of children. During the early Middle Ages the "paternalist" family concept evolved and the father had authority and control over family matters including the welfare and safety of his wife and children. Discipline was severe, young children both poor and wealthy were subjected to strict rules and regulations and often beaten if disobedient. Children took on the responsibilities of adults at an early age, sharing in the work of siblings and parents. Girls from affluent families were educated at home and married in their teens. Some males were educated at a monastery and others became apprentices to experienced knights. Children who were considered retarded or suffering from disease were abandoned to churches or orphanages. Relationships between parent and child were distant, and younger male and female siblings were considered...
This section contains 2,995 words (approx. 10 pages at 300 words per page) |