Synopses & Reviews
This book examines the scale and nature of child employment in Britain and the changing attitude of society toward it in the years between 1780 and 1890. The author discusses the efforts of philanthropists and the State to regulate the lives and employment conditions of young workers, and examines the attempts made to improve the education and physical welfare of children in this period. She concludes that in the century after 1780 there was a progressive lengthening of childhood as a stage of life and a recognition of the "special" needs of children.
Synopsis
This short book for students examines both the scale and the nature of child employment and the changing attitude of society towards it at a time when Britain was becoming the 'workshop of the world'. The author consider the lot of children engaged in farming, mining, factory production and domestic industries, along with those many other children for whom work meant helping at home or perhaps carrying out seasonal and casual tasks.
Synopsis
A succinct account of changes in children's work and welfare between 1780 and 1890. It examines some of the debates which have attached themselves to those changes and discusses the role of the state and of philanthropic organisation in bringing about change.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-82) and index.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction: 1780s-1850s; 2. The impact of industrialisation: 1780-1850s; 3. Rescue and reform: 1830-1867; 4. Work and welfare: 1868-1880s; Conclusion: the working-class child in the 1880s; Appendices; Select Bibliography; Index.