Ariès and the history of childhood
Ariès' historical analysis showing that childhood (as a distinct, protected life stage) is a modern invention; in medieval Europe, children were treated as miniature adults after age 5-7.
Real World
In medieval paintings like Pieter Bruegel's 'Children's Games' (1560), children are depicted playing adult-style games, wearing miniature adult clothing — visual evidence Ariès used to argue childhood as a concept simply did not exist.
Exam Focus
When 'evaluate' Ariès, always include the counter-argument that high child mortality may explain adult treatment, not absent concept of childhood.
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