But it was the industrial revolution of the 19th century which actually caused the inception of child labour. Phillips argues that the increase in social problems such as suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, depression and drug/alcohol abuse among children is a direct result of these processes. How has the concept of childhood changed over the past 100 years? Children are physically and psychologically immature compared…
There seems to be near universal agreement that there are some fundamental differences between adults and children. But it was the industrial revolution of the 19th century which actually caused the inception of child labour. As such, children in past centuries worked with their parents from a very small age. To such a degree that each persons definition of childhood is different. Childhood was previously not regarded as something to be recognised and that the innocence in which children possess was not socially realised as to be something to be nurtured. But they continue to debate the extent to which childhood has changed since the 19th century and how the adult’s approach to childhood and dealing with children has altered. Rather, it not seen as something separate from the adult world.
For example people in most societies seem to agree that 1. But they continue to debate the extent to which childhood has changed since the 19th century and how the adult’s approach to childhood and dealing with children has altered. As such, children in past centuries worked with their parents from a very small age. People tend to talk about childhood and adulthood like they are completely distinct phases of life. These trends mean that the period of childhood has been shortened – it is no longer a sacred and innocent period lasting up to 13 or 14 years.
This post examines childhood as a social construction looking at the work of Jane Pilcher and Philippe Aries among others. The concept of childhood is difficult to describe, there are so many factors that can vary the experience of childhood.
In conclusion, this essay has argued that the ideas about childhood have changed over the centuries due to development of the understanding of it.