Sociology
The Cultural Construction of Childhood
Quick fact
In medieval Europe, children were often treated as miniature adults, expected to work and dress like adults as soon as they could. In many contemporary societies, children are seen as innocent and in need of protection, but in others, they are expected to contribute economically from a young age.
Why this is interesting
You probably think of childhood as a natural phase of life, but did you know that the very idea of childhood is a relatively recent invention in the West?