The Development of Childhood Throughout History Essay -- Sociology

Throughout the history of kidskinhood development light social and economic conditions contributed to the many hardships and forgetful treatment of children. During the early Middle Ages the paternalist family concept evolved and the father had authority and control over family matters including the welfare and safety of his wife and children. Discipline was severe, young children both poor and wealthinessy were subjected to strict rules and regulations and a good deal beaten if disobedient. Children took on the responsibilities of adults at an early age, sharing in the work of siblings and parents. Girls from affluent families were educated at home and marital in their teens. Some males were educated at a monastery and others became apprentices to experienced knights. Children who were considered retarded or suffering from disease were abandoned to churches or orphanages. Relationships between parent and child were distant, and younger male and female siblings were considered economic and social liabilities. (Siegel 10). Custom and practices such as primogeniture and dower subjected many children to endure suffering and cruel treatment. These customs and practices often caused family rivalry, sometimes led to tragedy and had a significant impact on the role of women and children. Under primogeniture the oldest surviving male inherited family lands and titles. Younger siblings who were not providential to receive lands were forced to enter religious orders, become soldiers or seek wealthy patrons. Under the Dower system, a womans family gave money, land or other wealth in exchange for a potential husband. This system forced women into the role of second class citizens dependent on their fathers and brothers. Wet nurses took care of newb... ...rs (mandatory sentences) and target bent techniques (steering locks, unbreakable glass on storefronts). This approach is not consistent with the viewpoint guiding the juvenile court because this type of det errence punishment interferes with parens patriae philosophy. Juveniles are hardened more leniently than adults, which limit the power of the law to deter juvenile crime. (Siegel 96). REFERENCESSiegel, Larry J., Brandon C. Welsh and Joseph J. Senna. 2003. Juvenile Delinquency Theory, Practice, and Law. California Thomson Wadsworth.Hyperdictionary, (http//www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=status+offenders) Flowers, R. Barri. 2002. Kids Who Commit big(p) Crimes Serious Criminality by Juvenile Offenders. New York The Haworth Press.