Children, Society, and Ethics

The basic questions surrounding protection of children are reviewed historically, including society's rights & duties to children & which agencies or people are the proper representatives of society. Certain historical perspectives on children, including the psychoanalytical, are discussed. Examples from history are provided that illustrate the variety of conceptions of society's rights & duties toward children. In ancient Greece, Aristotle & Plato saw the interests of parents & individuals as subservient to the city-state, which should regulate the reproduction & survival of children & protect orphans. In Western Europe, law was more concerned with punishment of adults than protection of children. Only after WWII did the responsibilities of society toward children become matters of practical concern, & ethical aspects of health care came to the fore. Educational programs in ethics for child health professionals are recommended. 13 References. A. Waters