Defining Childhood
Childhood is an interesting topic because it reminds an adult of the period they existed between childbirth and adolescence. The phase involves a child learning how to walk so that they can mingle and play with other children. As time progresses, a child goes to the elementary school where they develop into puberty. Afterward, an individual is no longer a kid but a teenager and probably in secondary school. The late stage of childhood is known as post-puberty. By this time the surroundings of a child have determined their attitude. It is vital to fathom that humanity understands childhood based on historical and current definitions of the concept.
Historical Understanding of Childhood
It was during the renaissance era that the notion of the uniqueness of early stage of a kid development captured the attention of the society. Adults, particularly in Europe, realized that children were like a separate human species among them. Thus, they had to take time to train them because they were innocent and in need of guidance and protection (Maccoby, 33). Some intellectuals and philosophers pointed out that kids were born with an empty mind ready to get impartation of knowledge (Maccoby, 41). It is the reason that in the early development of capitalist ideology the central role of parents was to up bring their offspring as cultured as possible.
It is apparent that history defines childhood as a stage whereby little ones do not know much. In fact, they are so innocent and ignorant to the extent that they appear to be of different human species. Also, the society considers their mind as a blank slate ready to accommodate any impartation of notions and ideologies. It, therefore, becomes the responsibility of the adults to guide and shape children mostly in a stable home with a father and a mother. Early historical humanity emphasis on the innocence of children resulted in provocation of some of the religious sects such as Puritan to advocate the purity of the children (Maccoby, 52). However, the early civilization negated the angelic qualities of a child by sending them to workplaces to earn a livelihood.
Current Understanding of Childhood
After understanding the historical notions about childhood, it is imperative to fathom the current definition of this essential stage. The contemporary world regards childhood phase as the period with plenty of ecstasy and entertainment thrills for the children (Mayall, 61). In other terms, kids mostly engage in playing and enjoyment as they prepare to face the hardships that come with maturity. Grownups regard children as those with simple minds and imbued with sufficient grace. The evidence for this is demonstrated by the children’s literature and media content such as comics (Russell and Radojevic, 49). Furthermore, society recognizes the empty mind of a child. It is the core reason parents usually send them to all levels of schooling as they develop mentally and physically.
Key Differences in the Current and Historical Understanding of Childhood
The current and historical understanding of the development stage of the infants demonstrates the core differences of the two periods. In the past, kids are innocent with a blank mind that needs impartation of information (Maccoby, 31). Similarly, the modern world believes in the innocence and simple-mindedness of their children (Mayall, 57). The society allows children to play as much as they want because they are aware that soon they will be facing the harsh reality of adult life. The primary contrast between the historical and current understanding of childhood, the former negates their angelic qualities and send them to workplaces to earn a livelihood. On the other hand, the latter only sends children to school and allow them to play and enjoy this stage.
Conclusion
In summary, early societies treasure their children by appreciating their innocence and empty minds ready to acquire knowledge. Nonetheless, they interfere with this phase by sending their children to workplaces. On the contrary, the current fathoming of kids emphasizes their simple-mindedness and allows them to play to the fullest. The society is aware that children once they grow, the tough life awaits them.
Works Cited
Maccoby, Eleanor E. “The role of parents in the socialization of children: An historical overview.” A century of developmental psychology, 2012, pp. 589-615.
Mayall, Berry. “The Sociology Of Childhood In Relation To Children’s Rights.” Children’s Rights: Progress and Perspectives, 2009, pp. 429-446.
Russell, Graeme, and Marija Radojevic. “The changing role of fathers: Current understandings and future directions for research and practice.” Infant Mental Health Journal, vol. 13, no. 4, 2011, pp. 296-311.
