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Which social changes helped people begin to see children as independent individuals in the 18th century?
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childrenās literature
Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet, illustration of A.A. Milne's classic children's tale by Ernest H. Shepard.
In the second half of the 18th century, children began to be viewed as independent individuals worthy of special regard and serious contemplation. This shift in perspective, which was essential for the development of childrenās literature, was driven by several interconnected historical and social forces:
- Enlightenment Thought: Philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau challenged earlier views of children as mere "miniature adults." Lockeās concept of the tabula rasa emphasized the importance of experience and upbringing in shaping a child's character and intellect.12
- Rise of the Middle Class: As the middle class grew, there was an increasing emphasis on family cohesion and the nurturing of children as innocents who required education and protection.13
- Romanticism: This movement fostered a "cult of the child," celebrating the unique imaginative world of youth through literature, including folktales, myths, and ballads.1
- Emancipation of Women: The early stages of womenās emancipation contributed to this shift, as women played a significant role in the creation of literature tailored to the needs of children.1
These developments collectively moved society away from viewing children as "terra incognita" or mere stage props, allowing them to be recognized as distinct beings with their own imaginative lives.1