Children

English lawChildren under 7 considered not to know right

from wrong7-14: presumption that they did not know right

from wrong, but that could be overcome with evidence

14-18: presumption that they do know right from wrong, but could be overcome with evidence

Attitudes toward children

Children were treated like adultsSame punishment, even deathEarly codes recognized special needs such

as guardianship, adoption, runawaysHarsh treatmentProtestant reformation: children wicked

but worth saving

Factors influencing attitudes

Development of medical science: childhood mortality dropped

Birthrates droppedIncreased investment in children—they

will live

Factors influencing attitudes

Industrial revolution: migration to citiesIncreased difficulties in supervising

childrenChild laborEventually, pressure to reserve labor for

adults (unions, child savers)

Attitudes toward children

Rise of educationChildren removed from labor marketIncreased emphasis on skills necessary for

success in a technological societyStratification of children by ages and

separation from adultsLess options for youth other than education

Attitudes toward children

Rise of psychiatry, child psychology, and social work

Psychiatry: application of medical model to behavior—diagnosis, treatment and cure

Child psychology: discovery of differences in learning and processing, different developmental stages

Social work: dealing with social problems, rather than letting things happen

Attitudes toward children

Child savers Jane Addams, Hull House in ChicagoChild savers usually middle to upper class, well-

educated, often femaleWanted to help, protect and instill young people

with proper valuesAdvocated child labor laws and compulsory

education, emphasized children’s differences