宋代⼉童观研究 = DIVERSE VIEWS OF CHILDREN IN SONG CHINA

Abstract

This dissertation aims to show diverse views of children in Song China in specific historical contexts. I challenge the previous view that sees the children and childhood as self-explanatory concepts, I argue that the concept of children is a social construction rather than a biological reality. This thesis also reevaluates “the discovery of childhood” in the Song dynasty, avoiding the simplistic and progressivism statement. I contend that the meaning of the children is determined by different subjects through negotiation rather than defined by classics, official and pioneers.