| Abstract: | It is difficult to obtain a balanced and accurate picture of medieval views of such topics as childhood, treatment of children, and the nature of family ties, whether of affection or obligation. A significant source of information on these topics, abundant but so far underused, lies in the sermons, pastoral handbooks and biblical commentaries of the period. These are abundant for the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, allowing the historian to examine the development of ideas over time.One group of late thirteenth century ad status collections, written by friars, is particularly interesting. They were extremely popular throughout the fourteenth century, and therefore represent an important starting point for any study of developing views about the young. Comparison of their views with those of their predecessors, identifies a clear trend towards increased awareness of children as a group with specific characteristics and specific needs. Overall, the writers of these late thirteenth century ad status collections - John of Wales, Guibert de Tournai, Humbert de Romans - show decided reservations about the value of corporal punishment, and a conviction that children are intrinsically good, despite the sins characteristic of their various stages of development. This must call into question some of the conclusions reached by scholars such as Philippe Ariès and Lloyd de Mause. |
