In what sense might the social invention of childhood be considered as an economic innovation?

Question

In what sense might the social invention of childhood be considered as an economic innovation?

Answer 1

Some countries use child labour ~ Although I don't agree with this policy, it is an answer of sorts to your question.

Answer 2

Good question!

The invention of childhood as an idea led to the creation of a new economic sector. Previously, separate fashions, toys, foods etc for children had been a piecemeal thing, varying by personal inclination but for most of society, a child was treated as a small adult - dressed, fed and often worked that way. Once childhood was in place, clothing aimed at children and toys on a larger scale were quickly innovated.

In the twentieth century, the process accelerated - universal education meant uniforms, school equipment and books became aimed at the child Market. Once mass media came on line, children had their own comics, radio shows, films and eventually tv shows created - most of which were to sell to them. After world war 2, pocket money and freedom increased and have been increasing ever since, making the child market the biggest in key ways - most notably, that a childs money is all disposable (no bills etc) making them the best of targets after the extremely well off.

So i would say childhood was invented to protect children from the worst that was happening to them, but that once the economic group existed it was quickly targeted and has been ever since.

Have a star, good question!

Cheers, Steve.