The concept of childhood was lost during the Middle Ages. It has become possible to distinguish a number of key elements in the historical development of childhood which, together, constitute a framework which helps us to conceptualize childhood over the past four or five centuries. a number of detailed studies have given light on the ill treatment of children during the Medialeval period .This work has led us to a greater realization of the significance for childhood and the social changes that took place during the sixteenth century. Most children began to do serious work once they reached the age 12-14. Sometimes this was done at home, assisting in agricultural work or craft, but it was common to send children away from home to become servants to other people. Education was not considered important especially for girls.
The concept of childhood was lost during the Middle Ages. It has become possible to distinguish a number of key elements in the historical development of childhood which, together, constitute a framework which helps us to conceptualize childhood over the past four or five centuries. a number of detailed studies have given light on the ill treatment of children during the Medialeval period .This work has led us to a greater realization of the significance for childhood and the social changes that took place during the sixteenth century. Most children began to do serious work once they reached the age 12-14. Sometimes this was done at home, assisting in agricultural work or craft, but it was common to send children away from home to become servants to other people. Education was not considered important especially for girls.
The concept of childhood was lost at some stages through the middle age as the children were exposed to 'child labour' from as early as 3years old. They were expected too help feed and tend to animals and kitchen gardens (Feeney, christensen 2006).The monastic school later exposed them to singing, playing of musical instruments. The monastaries offered a bit of structured learning environment in that they saw the need to recognise the psycology of young children. Their system offerred singing, laughter, play which was a daily part of their routine. The reading provide evidence of the concept on childhood getting better as we read along!
It is important to remember that medieval society was primarily an agrarian one, and it was the family unit that made the agrarian economy work. From a purely economic standpoint, nothing was more valuable to a peasant family than sons to help with the plowing and daughters to help with the household. Children were, essentially, the primary reason to marry. It has even been suggested that cases of premarital pregnancy among women who married their children's fathers might be due to the necessity of ensuring fertility before going ahead with a wedding. In the face of these facts it is difficult, if not impossible, to argue that people of the Middle Ages were any less aware that children were their future then we are aware today that children are the future of the modern world. And if it is reasonable to accept that medieval society valued children, how strong an argument can really be made that medieval individuals lacked affection for their offspring. Barbara A. Hanawalt. (1993). Growing Up in Medieval London: The Experience of Childhood in History
Yes Marjanice but look at it as the "childhood'" meaning the children werent allowed much to be children, at early ages they were exposed to work and that made them more adults than a child.There is hardly any evidence to support that the children played and had a chance to recreate like children. But evidence to support they were put to task very early. So they did operate as a unit but the children weren't given the opportunity much to be young children to play and explore. Task were assigned and responsibilities handed down, so in that we could agree their childhood was lost.
Certainly childhood was lost BUT the customs of the country at the time dictated the responsibilities of children; and in their interpretation childhood was not for games and play but an early opportunity for the shaping of skills and talents as required of the agricultural setting thus enabling them to contribute at an early to social and economic development. For them within the culture at that time children early exposure to work was not ill-advised but the norm.
Hello everyone, my account was not working so I had to open a new account today.I opologize for my absence from the conversations:-( I will comment very soon on the question, when I am through reading some information- that will assit me with my answer.
The concept of childhood was lost during the middle ages. In the medieval society children were expected to become a part of the adult society as soon as they were able to exist without their nanny, mother and or caregiver. In this society the idea of childhood did not exist. Children were expected to carry out adult duties which prevented them from having a childhood. However this idea would change with the work of Joann Amos Comenius between 1628 - 1632. Play, games, rhymes, fairy tales and music were programs Comenius believe children should engage in. Comenius worked towards changing that view and proclaimed the need for all persons being educated (universal education).
The lost of childhood during the Middle Ages was brought about with the involvement of children in the "labour force". They were expected to work alongside their parents to ensure that food, shelter and clothing could be had by members of the family and as such the females were either sold as property to work elsewhere or were married off to persons with a higher status than her family.
During the middle age the lost of childhood was influenced as a result of children being forced to work as early as age 8. This practice caused children to participate in activities that cost them their youthful years.
Based on your readings share your thoughts on this statement.
ReplyDeleteThe concept of childhood was lost during the Middle Ages. It has become possible to distinguish a number of key elements in the historical development of childhood which, together, constitute a framework which helps us to conceptualize childhood over the past four or five centuries. a number of detailed studies have given light on the ill treatment of children during the Medialeval period .This work has led us to a greater realization of the significance for childhood and the social changes that took place during the sixteenth century.
ReplyDeleteMost children began to do serious work once they reached the age 12-14. Sometimes this was done at home, assisting in agricultural work or craft, but it was common to send children away from home to become servants to other people. Education was not considered important especially for girls.
- Verna Gordon
The concept of childhood was lost during the Middle Ages. It has become possible to distinguish a number of key elements in the historical development of childhood which, together, constitute a framework which helps us to conceptualize childhood over the past four or five centuries. a number of detailed studies have given light on the ill treatment of children during the Medialeval period .This work has led us to a greater realization of the significance for childhood and the social changes that took place during the sixteenth century.
ReplyDeleteMost children began to do serious work once they reached the age 12-14. Sometimes this was done at home, assisting in agricultural work or craft, but it was common to send children away from home to become servants to other people. Education was not considered important especially for girls.
- Verna Gordon
The concept of childhood was lost at some stages through the middle age as the children were exposed to 'child labour' from as early as 3years old. They were expected too help feed and tend to animals and kitchen gardens (Feeney, christensen 2006).The monastic school later exposed them to singing, playing of musical instruments. The monastaries offered a bit of structured learning environment in that they saw the need to recognise the psycology of young children. Their system offerred singing, laughter, play which was a daily part of their routine. The reading provide evidence of the concept on childhood getting better as we read along!
ReplyDeleteIt is important to remember that medieval society was primarily an agrarian one, and it was the family unit that made the agrarian economy work. From a purely economic standpoint, nothing was more valuable to a peasant family than sons to help with the plowing and daughters to help with the household. Children were, essentially, the primary reason to marry. It has even been suggested that cases of premarital pregnancy among women who married their children's fathers might be due to the necessity of ensuring fertility before going ahead with a wedding.
ReplyDeleteIn the face of these facts it is difficult, if not impossible, to argue that people of the Middle Ages were any less aware that children were their future then we are aware today that children are the future of the modern world. And if it is reasonable to accept that medieval society valued children, how strong an argument can really be made that medieval individuals lacked affection for their offspring. Barbara A. Hanawalt. (1993).
Growing Up in Medieval London: The Experience of Childhood in History
Yes Marjanice but look at it as the "childhood'" meaning the children werent allowed much to be children, at early ages they were exposed to work and that made them more adults than a child.There is hardly any evidence to support that the children played and had a chance to recreate like children. But evidence to support they were put to task very early.
DeleteSo they did operate as a unit but the children weren't given the opportunity much to be young children to play and explore. Task were assigned and responsibilities handed down, so in that we could agree their childhood was lost.
Certainly childhood was lost BUT the customs of the country at the time dictated the responsibilities of children; and in their interpretation childhood was not for games and play but an early opportunity for the shaping of skills and talents as required of the agricultural setting thus enabling them to contribute at an early to social and economic development. For them within the culture at that time children early exposure to work was not ill-advised but the norm.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone, my account was not working so I had to open a new account today.I opologize for my absence from the conversations:-(
ReplyDeleteI will comment very soon on the question, when I am through reading some information- that will assit me with my answer.
The concept of childhood was lost during the middle ages. In the medieval society children were expected to become a part of the adult society as soon as they were able to exist without their nanny, mother and or caregiver. In this society the idea of childhood did not exist. Children were expected to carry out adult duties which prevented them from having a childhood. However this idea would change with the work of Joann Amos Comenius between 1628 - 1632. Play, games, rhymes, fairy tales and music were programs Comenius believe children should engage in. Comenius worked towards changing that view and proclaimed the need for all persons being educated (universal education).
ReplyDeleteThe lost of childhood during the Middle Ages was brought about with the involvement of children in the "labour force". They were expected to work alongside their parents to ensure that food, shelter and clothing could be had by members of the family and as such the females were either sold as property to work elsewhere or were married off to persons with a higher status than her family.
ReplyDeleteDuring the middle age the lost of childhood was influenced as a result of children being forced to work as early as age 8. This practice caused children to participate in activities that cost them their youthful years.
ReplyDelete