Beth,
You are absolutely right about kids wearing adult clothing int he 19th
century. I'm currently researching more about that.

I do think you have an interesting point. However, do you really think
having children dress as adults is irrelevant when kids do not have the
rights and responsbilities of adults?

I wonder if, because they are dressed as adults, we have begun, as a
society, to treat them as adults - allowing them to do things earlier
and earlier - such as letting them put on makeup in elementary school
and giving them their own cellphones. Kids are definitely into sex and
alcohol earlier than before.

What do you think?

Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll definitely look into it!
T

Beth Kevles wrote:
Hi --

Through most of history, children have been dressed just like adults
(once they could walk, anyway). The concept of childhood as a
*separate* stage of life started, as I recall, around the early 19th
century. So the consequences of dressing children like adults? Perhaps
irrelevant, since they don't have the rights and responsibilities of
adults.

If you find this thread of interest you might want to see if you can get
your hands on a copy of "Pricing the Priceless Child".

--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

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