CHILDHOOD, FAMILY AND EDUCATION: HISTORICAL ANALYSIS AND SOCIAL CHANGE

The interest for the care and education of childhood have varied throughout the different historical time. Together with the transformations experienced within families, childhood has gradually and progressively attained meaning and relevance in the social environment. The new moral and spiritual function assumed by the family in the transition to modern times, and which went beyond its traditional function as transmitter of surname and heritage, implied the appearance of new emotions towards childhood at the same time their individuality intensified. At present, childhood acquires important centrality both in the private family space in which its protection, care, assistance and education prevail, rooted in new link of relationship (Burgess, 1972: 6-7), as well as in the public space, social, political, normative and economic. With these ideas, this research aims to historical analysis of the conception of childhood and its education, from ancient times to the present day, within the framework of the family and considering the repercussions that political, social, economic, demographic and cultural changes have had on childhood.