Aries (1960)
Middle ages:- 'the idea of childhood did not exist' Children were simply seen as mini adults.Hence expected to take on adult roles and responsibilities as soon as physically able to.
Shorter '75 argues that ill health and high death rates encouraged indifference and neglect towards children.
Elements of the modern notion of childhood appeared gradually from the 13th century onwards. Things such as child clothing, emerged into the market. By the 18th century handbooks on how to rear children were widely available which steered society into child centred life. (Particularly among the middle classes)
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