Connect and Check
Core concept Historical childhood is debated because sources are partial and often reveal elite adult viewpoints.
- Ariès argued that childhood as a distinct stage was weak in medieval Europe; critics question the evidence and interpretation.
- Learners separate evidence, interpretation and generalisation before judging change.
Study builder
Ariès
Used historical representations to argue that childhood was not clearly separated from adulthood in medieval society.
Pollock
Criticised the idea that parents lacked affection, using diaries and letters to show continuity of care.
Shorter
Linked modern childhood to growing parental affection and family privacy, but may overstate a simple progress story.
Choose your route
Access
Access: sort sources by what they can and cannot show.
Check: have you used one key concept accurately?
Core
Core: explain Ariès and one criticism accurately.
Check: have you explained the mechanism rather than just naming it?
Stretch
Stretch: judge whether historical evidence supports a universal claim about childhood.
Check: have you qualified your judgement by evidence or social group?
Exam practice
Analyse two problems with using historical evidence to study childhood. [10 marks]