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Modern children were considerably less innocent than…

“Modern children were considerably less innocent than parents and the larger society supposed, and postmodern children are less competent than their parents and the society as a whole would like to believe. . . . The perception of childhood competence has shifted much of the responsibility for…” quote by David Elkind
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“Modern children were considerably less innocent than parents and the larger society supposed, and postmodern children are less competent than their parents and the society as a whole would like to believe. . . . The perception of childhood competence has shifted much of the responsibility for child protection and security from parents and society to children themselves.”

David Elkind

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Modern children are perceived as less innocent and competent, shifting child protection responsibility onto them.

In simple terms: Children seen as less innocent, shifting protection responsibility onto them.

Key Takeaway

Balance responsibility between adults and children.

Themes

childhood responsibility societal expectations

Mood

concerned critical

Type

analytical commentary

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education policy
  • child welfare
  • community safety

Key Concepts

developmental psychology social change

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can society support children without overburdening them?
  • What role should adults play in child protection?
A Different Perspective

Overburdening children can hinder healthy development.

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