In contrast to earlier times, by the end of the Middle Ages, attitudes about children in Western societies had:
A) changed for the worse - children were viewed primarily as burdens on the family
B) changed for the better - children came to be viewed as experiencing a period of innocence
C) changed for the worse - children were viewed as miniature adults with adult responsibilities
D) changed for the better - children's opinions were given much broader responsibilities and had greater obligations for helping the family

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By the end of the Middle Ages, there was a shift in attitudes towards children in Western societies, and they came to be viewed as innocent creatures in need of protection from the harsh realities of the world. This was reflected in art, literature, and education, with the idea of the "childhood" emerging as a distinct period of development. This can be seen as a positive change in attitudes towards children.

In Contrast to Earlier Times, by the End of the Middle