The Modern Cult of Childhood

Question 1

What does Aries argue?

Answer 1

we have moved from a world that did not see childhood as special to a world that is obsessed with childhood

Question 2

What elements began to emerge of modern western childhood from the 13th century?

Answer 2

• Schools specialised purely in the education of the young
• There was a growing distinction between adults and children’s clothing
• books on childrearing became available

Question 3

How does Linda Pollock criticise Aries for arguing that childhood did not exist in the past?

Answer 3

• it is more accurate to say that in the Middle Ages, society had a different notion of childhood from today’s

Question 4

How is Aries work valuable?

Answer 4

• it shows childhood is socially constructed

- demonstrates how ideas about children and their social status have varied over time