Changing Conceptions of Child and Childhood - Essay Example

? Changing conceptions of the child and childhood Changing conceptions of the child and childhood Since the beginning of the 20th century, there have been significant changes in how the society perceives the idea of child and childhood. This is particularly manifested in the variation of toy pictures, child furniture, playgrounds and photos depicting schools found in the Century of the child exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa, 2012). Not only illustrate a wide array of representation of childhood but also demonstrates the fact that there has been a significant change in the underlying conceptions regarding the child and childhood since the onset of the 20th century. Generally the themes of child and childhood objects have been changing with the historical aspects such as colonialism, post war period and the current globalization. The beginning of the 20th century was marked with a number of political and socio-economic changes that consequently influenced the conception of child and childhood among the adults of the time. For example, the societal conception of a child in the 1900s was characterized by emphasis on the sanctity of a children and the role of the family in the protection of a child. This is particularly attributed to the fact the child labor had been common during the era due to the industrial revolution. Additionally in the 1900s, children were largely regarded as miniature adults. For example, most of the artistic illustrations during this period showed often showed children dressed as adults and sharing adult’s leisure and work. This is most likely because during this period, the needs of children were generally assumed to be the same as those of adults and they were never shielded from the various aspects of adult life. Consequently the societal conception of child and childhood was influenced by the surrounding environment as well as the geographical aspects of the time. For instance most of objects, drawings, illustration and paintings of the time such as Gustav Klimt’s famous painting known as Hope II (1907) demonstrate that the conception of the child was based on the societal perception of a child as an embodiment of hope. Other artistic objects of the same period such as Figli della Lupa tableware (1930s) were filled with imagery of radical socialism, colonialism and depictions of the 20th century trade goods and objects. Towards the mid 20th century (1930 -1949), the conception of child and childhood began to change with the new life styles and adult expectations of the time. In the “100 objects from century of child” section of the Century of the child exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), this perception is widely depicted in the childhood illustrations and drawings such as the 1946’s illustration for comet in moon land by Tom Jansson and the preparatory drawing for playroom mural drawn by Julit Kepes in 1949. For example, although the childhood illustrations, drawings and objects of the time were filled with images depicting pleasant fairly tale life, they also contained elements of desolation and danger of the time which was a period of wartime (World War II). In some societies, knowledge of sexuality was not considered bad to the children and public executions were often attended by people of all ages. It is however evident from a number of exhibitions that in the 1930s, children were largely seen as less developed in their moral and mental capacities. Consequently although they occupied a distinct place in the society they did not take part in the same activities as adults. Most artists of the mid 20th century viewed childhood in a different perspective from our contemporary view of childhood. Their artistic illustrations of children primarily dwelt on the duties and status of children as well as the rights accorded to them ad different stages of their maturity. In this regard, it is most likely that the concept of childhood between 1930 and1949 was largely based on their social status rather than their developmental and psychological stage as seen today. On the other hand, during the post war periods (1950-1970s), most of the toys, pictures and other artistic illustrations related to child and childhood suggested that the conception of child and childhood was based on the view of childhood as a short period of sanctuary before individuals move to the hardship of adulthood. The post war period was also marked by intense Cold war and increased international competition in technology. Toys and education kits became popular and a new conception of child hood based on kinder culture emerged. This change in the conception of child and childhood is depicted in Century of the child exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) by the pictures of toys and educational kits such as the 1978’s Capsela 700 construction set. There has also been a dramatic change in the conception of the child and childhood towards the end of the 20th century and as well as the beginning of 21st century. This is particularly attributed to the changing lifestyles as well as increased globalization. For example the UNICEF’s school in a box (1994) illustrates the conception of childhood as a stage that requires protection, safety, comfort, positive development as well as continuation of education. The modern art collections at the Century of the child exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) indicate that the contemporary conception of the child and childhood has significantly evolved since the beginning of the 20th century and consequently childhood is currently regarded as a trouble stage of playing, socializing, learning and exploring new things. This theme is demonstrated in the displayed colorful designs of modern playgrounds, toys and pieces of furniture such as Gaetano’s Crosby chair (1998).On the other hand, childhood is conceptualized in most contemporary societies as a developmental stage towards adulthood. Emerging disciplines such as psychology have significantly contributed to our understanding of childhood and this has invented our view of childhood. Many people and societies currently think of childhood as a series of developmental stages. For instance, schooling is normally organized as a series of age based stages of progression whereby children are often segregated not only from adults but also from the other children of different ages. In conclusion, throughout the history, the conception of childhood has not always been designed in the same way in all the societies. For example, as evidenced by the exhibitions in the Century of the Child exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the underlying conceptions of childhood has continued to under go changes and transformation since the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the likely factors responsible for this change include political, economic as well as social cultural dynamics. References MoMA exhibition.(2012) Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900–2000. Retrieved Oct 1, 2012 from MoMA.org/centuryofthechild database Read More