The Country and the CityThe Changing Geography of Children’s Spaces

Both westward expansion and urbanization affected children in

profound ways – and children, in turn, made their mark on both as well.

Children of the City

PRIMARY SOURCES: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE

Historical Arguments

• Children came west without the same attachments their parents had, and thus gained a stronger connection with the new land v. children faced dangers, hardships, and difficult circumstances

• Children well treated (because their labor was needed) v. children neglected and abused

Children of the City

PRIMARY SOURCES: RAGGED DICK

• Immigrant children were molded by the values, pace, and priorities of the street.

• City children formed a common culture and depended on one other.

Children of the Suburb

Historical Implications

• Suburbs removed children from the “corrupting” influence of the city

• Suburban children were saved from the demands of farm labor

• Suburban children’s lives focused on school and new patterns of play

1950s

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCO6smQrjJ8

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txcRQedoEyY

What do you think is the ideal geography for raising children?

What about your childhood? In what geography did you grow up?