View Lecture 2 Parenting in the Enlightenment and Age of Sensibility

Introduction to Parenting in the Enlightenment and Age of Sensibility

• The Enlightenment (late 17th to 18th century) was marked by a shift in thought from religious authority to reason and observation.

• The Age of Sensibility, overlapping with the Enlightenment, emphasized emotions, feelings, and the importance of human experience, leading to new ideas about parenting.

Key Ideas about Parenting During this Period

Rationality and Individualism

• Parents began to adopt rational approaches to child-rearing, moving away from traditional authoritarian methods.

• The concept of the ‘individual’ became important, emphasizing the need to nurture the child's character and intellectual abilities.

Emotional Development

• There was a growing understanding of the importance of emotions in child development.

• Instead of solely focusing on discipline, parents were encouraged to foster a child's emotional sensitivity and empathy.

• Joseph Priestley and John Locke argued that emotional engagement was essential to nurture virtuous citizens.

Education and Enlightenment Thought

• Education became a focal point; parents were encouraged to provide both formal and informal education to develop reason and moral understanding.

• Works by Enlightenment philosophers like Rousseau promoted educational reform and the importance of understanding a child’s needs and nature.

• Rousseau's idea of 'natural education' suggested that children should learn through experiences and natural consequences.

Influence of Sensibility

• The Age of Sensibility emphasized compassion and the moral development of children.

• Literature of the time celebrated the innocence of childhood and the moral duties of parents.

• Writers such as Samuel Johnson and Frances Burney depicted sentiments of parental love and responsibility in their works.

Changing Family Dynamics

• The perception of family shifted to a more affectionate bond, with emphasis on nurturing and companionship rather than mere authority.

• The mother’s role evolved significantly, gaining importance in emotional and educational development of children.

• Parental relationships were characterized by partnership and joint efforts in child-rearing rather than rigid hierarchical structures.

Conclusion

• Parenting during the Enlightenment and Age of Sensibility marks a significant transition towards recognizing the importance of emotional nurturing, education, and the evolving role of parents, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals.