Renaissance

Pollock – Attitudes Toward Children: 

Pollock – Attitudes Toward Children Contrast to Aries (no concept of childhood until 17th century) Concluded that parenting changed very little from 16th to 17th century Children Passed through developmental stages Indulged in play Need care and protection Need guidance Need to be financially provided FOR

Renaissance (Approx. 14th Century and Beyond): 

Renaissance (Approx. 14th Century and Beyond) Outpouring of creativity activity and efforts to modernize (renewed interest in roman/Greek literature) Period of economic expansion Important to protect families’ wealth and positions Family feuds

What Was Family Life Like?: 

What Was Family Life Like? Immediate family had greater importance (beginning 15th century) Marriage Bride had little choice Marked age difference Increasingly higher dowries expected (girls might be sent to convent instead) Fathers left testaments (children not individuals but family heirs)

Families in Lower Social Classes: 

Families in Lower Social Classes Young people may have had more freedom Less likely to have a nuclear family (needed extended family for support) Attempt to keep family intact – sons enter family business, daughters bring husbands into their family home Different child care practices?

Wetnursing during the Renaissance: 

Wetnursing during the Renaissance Well-established in middle and upper classes by mid-14th century Why? Selecting a wetnurse Critique of wetnursing Social class differences Safest alternative until pasteurization

Education during the Renaissance: 

Education during the Renaissance Curriculum – included Greek and roman literature Impractical for many students More children sent to school Aristocracy still viewed learning as a toughening process (physical punishment prevalent) Teachers

Aries – “From immodesty to innocence”: 

Aries – “From immodesty to innocence” Contrast contemporary views of morality What was acceptable for children to view, hear? Before puberty – unaware of sex No belief in childhood innocence until . . . 17th century – major shift Education (principles)

Aries – “From Immodesty to Innocence”: Education Principles : 

Aries – “From Immodesty to Innocence”: Education Principles Children must never be left alone Children must not be pampered and must be accustomed to strict discipline early in life Modesty (influencing childrearing advice – attempt to eradicate co-sleeping) Idea of childish innocence resulted in 2 attitudes: primitive in need of protection yet rational in need of moral education (unlike contemporary stage theories)!

End of Renaissance: 

End of Renaissance