The Society´s View of the Role of Children

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In early modern Europe, various views regarding the role of children in society heavily influenced the manner in which these children were raised. Some Europeans felt that through discipline and somewhat harsh treatment, parents might better prepare their children to succeed. Others perceived love and gentle guidance as the best way by which to form the minds of their children. These altered views were a result of a change in the times and circumstances. Attitudes toward children differed among early Europeans and resulted in various methods of child rearing. Those who saw children as weak and inferior sought to instill stronger characteristics through harsh treatment and discipline – “tough love”. The Domostroi, a Russian manual for household management written in the mid-16th century, says that parents who love their children ought to whip them in order that they might grow up to be a joy rather than a burden. Those who discipline their children and provide them with a good education will reap the benefits (Document 3). Although in the 16th century, Russia was considered “backwards” by most of Western Europe, the same disciplinary principle can be seen in the autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian metal sculptor. Cellini recounts a visit to an illegitimate son and how, when he was ready to leave, his son clung to him and began to cry profusely. Rather than console his child, Cellini extricated himself and left the boy crying (Document 4). Similarly, in a letter to his son’s governess, King Henry IV of France called for the regular whipping of his young son. From his own experience, he claims “there is nothing in the world that will be better for him than that” (Document 8). It is in fact true that Henry of Nav... ... middle of paper ... ...a child up for failure, while an approach that features strong discipline and harsh treatment may expose a child to suffering more than is necessary (Document 12). The teachings of such philosophers reflect the various views of Europeans concerning the rearing of children. A variety of different methods concerning the raising of children in early modern Europe can be readily identified. Due to the high mortality rate of children, the view on child rearing emphasized harsh treatment and punishment in order to strengthen children and efficiently correct their mistakes at an early age. In the 17th and 18th centuries, during the period of Enlightenment, ideas were formed about the positive aspects of gently rearing a child. These varying approaches were the result of the progression of different cultural ideas and movements, as well as practical experience.

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