Children and emotions history

Abstract

This paper explores two major sets of changes in American approaches to children and emotion, around 1800 and again in the 1920s; and then examines more specific shifts in emotions such as grief, happiness and shame, exploring causation and impact. The text sketches several key historical findings about emotional standards and childhood, particularly in the USA, while indicating as well some characteristic challenges and opportunities for further work. The presentation also interweaves two other issues: the complexities around discussing changes and continuities in the actual emotions of children, and links – existing and potential – between historical and psychological work in the field.

Keywords:

• Happiness
• shame
• love
• jealousy
• periodization