Prompt Analyze how and why Western European attitudes toward children and children-rearing changed in the period from 1750 to 1900 Audriana Holloway Period 4

Children’s Status Woman began bearing children rapidly. There was a 1 to 2 chance that a woman would give birth to six or more children. However every one in five children where expected to die as a newborn. Infant mortality was high. Childhood was also considered dangerous because parents would neglect their children and often abuse them. Children were modestly educated. Many children never learned to read in poorer societies. In popular classes basic literary was growing. Women in lower class areas breastfed their children. Which decreased the likelihood of pregnancy by “delaying the resumption of ovulation”. However breastfed children survival rate was higher than those of children who were fed artificial food. Wet nurses grew. This was were nurses breastfed other women’s children. In the wet nurse industry, there were killing nurses. Abortion was illegal. Infanticide grew.

Attitudes Toward Children Infanticide was abolished at the expense that every human life was sacred. Foundling homes were established in Italy, Spain, and France where many infants were admitted. 90% of babies did not survive in foundling homes. Henceforth Foundling houses became known as “legalized infanticide”. Children were minor concerns to parents and the society in the 18 th century. French moralist wrote in 1756 “one blushes to think of loving one’s children”. It was even said that an English gentleman “had more interest in the disease of his horses than of his children” The feeling of indifference towards children were due to the frequent deaths of children. Doctors and clergymen persuaded parents not to become emotionally involved with their children. Children were neglected because they were highly likely to die and they were highly likely to die due to neglect. Daniel Defoe said “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”

Child-rearing changes. Indifference toward child. Strict physical discipline. Susannah Wesley reported that her babies were “taught to fear the rod”. Children were beaten and brutalized by paupers in factories. It was slowly realized that there should be growing tenderness and love for their children. 19 th century children could dress more freely. Growth of humanitarianism and “cautious” optimism about human potential caused for greater care and love for children. Girls began to be encouraged to educated themselves and sent to more schools. There was a gender barrier between male and female children. Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “Emile” demonstrated love and tenderness. Parents began to get emotionally attached to their children and enjoyed raising their child.

The End Jean-Jacques Rousseau Susannah Wesley Daniel Defoe