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, children came to be viewed as experiencing a period of innocence. This was a departure from earlier views that saw children as miniature adults with adult responsibilities or burdens on the family. This shift in attitude towards children was influenced by the emergence of the concept of childhood as a distinct stage of life with its own distinct needs and characteristics. This led to the development of new forms of child-rearing and education that were designed to nurture and protect the innocence of children.

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