The Historical Child / Paidology; The Science of the Child

A systematic comparative survey of child life across ancient and traditional societies, describing prenatal rites, birth customs, naming, care, dress, food, play, education, family relations, legal status, labor, and religious observances. Chapters treat children in Mesoamerican and Andean cultures (including ritual sacrifice and elite training), Egypt, India, China (including foot deformation), Japan, Persia, Judea, Greece, Rome, medieval Europe, and early America, noting variations in marriage, slavery, apprenticeship, toys, schooling, and rites of passage. The work combines ethnographic description and historical commentary to show how social institutions and cultural beliefs shaped the experiences of childhood.