The Impact of the Past on the Care and Education of Deprived Children

Author:
  • MNMarcia Newsome
    Marcia Newsome
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Abstract
SUMMARY. In the previous issue of Children & Society, Marcia Newsome reported on her study of the historical development of care and education of poor children. That paper revealed ideas and attitudes which not only informed the past, but surprisingly, can be seen to underpin many aspects of present day policy and assumptions. The study highlighted the interactions of individuals and groups, showing how personal, religious, political and economic interests affected the development and organisation of institutions caring for children, some influences obvious, others concealed and unintended. Such interests inevitably led to practices far removed from the best interests of the children themselves. This second paper indicates that the lessons which the past provides have not necessarily been learned, and that similar motives and influences are still at work today.