It is evident that children were active participants in past societies, with the extent to which they were valued within various spheres (social, economic, religious, etc.), fluctuating over time and space. Archaeology, epigraphic texts, mythology, contracts, laws, and other sources of evidence shed light on the importance that ancient communities placed on children and their lives. This can allow us valuable insight into shifting dynamics in gender equality of children in past communities over time, perception of children with disabilities, and generally to ask how did people in the past value the younger generation living within their communities?
We can also reflect on how modern-day societies perceive the value of children and childhood in the past and question our prevailing assumptions regarding their treatment and agency within the communities in which they lived, and whether those are accurate representations. The 14th Annual SSCIP Conference will address these core questions regarding valuing ancient children by integrating broad interdisciplinary, chronological, geographical, and cultural perspectives.
Suggested topics include (but are not limited to):
- How did ancient cultures value their children?
- How do modern day societies value ancient children?
- Children as rescuers and saviors (of themselves and/or others)
- Valuing boys and girls equally or differently
- How did children actively contribute to their societies?
- The perception of disabled children in the past
- Material culture produced by children
- Economic progress due to children
- Historiography of Childhood in the Past
