The re-imagining of adult–child relations between the wars
The re-imagining of adult–child relations between the wars
The chapter, together with the next chapter, argues that the period saw the re-imagining of age relations between adults and children away from a disciplinary approach towards one characterized by liberal principles based on a 'scientific' understanding of the child's emotional interiority; the parenting goal was to 'help and understand' children. The chapter examines several of the influences involved in the process such as cultural responses to the widely perceived post 1918 'crisis' in Western civilization, as well as the impact of Freudian psychoanalytic thought and practice. It also considers the 'new psychology', the rejection of behaviourism, notably by Susan Isaacs, the child guidance movement and the emergence of 'new era' progressive education. These developments, it is claimed, were important origins in what came to be known as social democracy's post 1940s family ideal.
Keywords: child guidance, new psychology, progressive education, Susan Isaacs, behaviourism, western civilization, Freudian
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