Child Life Then explores the evolution of childhood and child welfare through history, contrasting past conditions with modern approaches. The book highlights the transformation in societal perceptions and treatment of children, emphasizing the interplay between social change and well-being.
It examines child labor, revealing how children were once integrated into the workforce, facing harsh conditions before the rise of child labor laws.
Furthermore, the book investigates the evolution of education from informal learning to formal schooling systems, impacting social mobility and overall development.
The approach taken by Child Life Then involves examining key aspects of child life across different eras using demographic data, historical accounts, and social research. The book progresses by introducing core concepts of childhood studies, then explores child labor, education, and health across history.
Ultimately, it analyzes the development of modern child welfare systems and their effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges. This historical trajectory is essential for understanding the successes and shortcomings of current policies related to child rearing and parental rights.
