Evolution and Perspectives of the 21st Century Children

Abstract

On the level of an everyday dialogue the paramount value of the child as a legal entity seems to be fundamental and free of ideologies. However, looking the issue in depth it becomes clear that very often this value is determined not from the perspective of children but from the point of view of adults, which causes the rights of children both on micro (family, school) and on macro (national and international legislator) level to be relativised. In order to effectively protect children and their childhood it is essential to deeply understand them and to wear “child rights glasses”. In this study, I try to get closer to this understanding by reviewing from the beginning of history how the man of the past thought about the child, the child’s place in society, the parent–child relationship and how this led to the uncertainties of the 21st century.