Revolutions at Home: The Origin of Modern Childhood and the German Middle Class

In the late 18th century, German child-rearing underwent a significant transformation, and childhood became recognized as a crucial stage for self-formation. This process involved adults shaping youth through affection and cultivating internal discipline. Revolutions at Home, by Emily C. Bruce, reveals how children actively negotiated these changes, using their reading and writing to construct the modern child subject and redefine modern life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

In the late 18th century, a significant transformation occurred in German child-rearing, which spread across European society. This shift in ideology and educational practices viewed childhood as a crucial stage for self-formation. While adults played a significant role in shaping this new approach, it was also a process that involved motivating children through affection and cultivating internal discipline. This transformation was not solely driven by parents and pedagogues but also by children themselves, as evidenced by rare glimpses of their diaries, letters, and marginalia.

Revolutions at Home, a book by Emily C. Bruce, delves into a rich collection of documents created for and by young Germans between 1770 and 1850. Through their reading and writing, these children actively contributed to constructing the modern child subject. The active child that emerged during this period was not merely a result of expanding literacy but rather a key player in defining modern life.

The active child who emerged at this time was not simply a consequence of expanding literacy but, in fact, a key participant in defining modern life. This new approach to child-rearing involved motivating children through affection and cultivating internal discipline, which were seen as essential for their development. It was a shift away from traditional authoritarian methods and towards a more nurturing and supportive environment.

However, this transformation was not without its challenges. Adults often struggled to adapt to the new expectations and norms associated with childhood, and there were debates about the appropriate balance between discipline and freedom. Children, too, had to navigate these changes and adapt to their new roles and responsibilities.

Despite these challenges, the impact of this transformation on children's lives was profound. It helped to shape their attitudes, values, and beliefs, and laid the foundation for their future development. The active child who emerged at this time was not only more capable and independent but also more engaged with their world and able to contribute to society in meaningful ways.

In conclusion, the transformation of German child-rearing in the late 18th century was a significant milestone in the history of childhood. It marked a shift towards a more nurturing and supportive approach that recognized the importance of children's development and engagement. While adults played a crucial role in shaping this new approach, children themselves were active participants in defining modern life and helped to construct the modern child subject.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625345622