Infantilization, civilization, and child abuse

Language and theory of mind: Why pragmatics matter

“…Thus, according to Piaget also, pre-eminence is given to an internal factor even if it is within a context where interactions are fully acknowledged. Koops (2012) rightly contrasts this discontinuity hypothesis with the change hypothesis whereby representations of childhood are age-old and have steadily evolved over the centuries in relation to changes associated with the history of the societies concerned. In the last quarter of the twentieth century, historians of the mediaeval period were able to show the wealth and diversity of ideas and feelings towards children at that time by drawing on iconography, on normative sources (pedagogical, medical or common law works; Lett, 1998) or indeed on the minutes of the proceedings of the Inquisition (Le Roy Ladurie, 1975).…”

“…However, I would like to begin by outlining the broader theoretical background with reference to a distinction emphasized by Willem Koops (2004Koops ( , 2012 in relation to representations of childhood.…”

Infantilized Adults and Intergenerational Stasis in Long Day's Journey Into Night, The Glass Menagerie, and Death of a Salesman

“…Behavioralist Willem Koops dates modern manifestations of infantilization to the nineteenth century, when longer lifespans necessitated clearer distinctions among life stages. 3 Koops's work is reinforced by a 2018 study that defines overparenting as a sustained behavior characterized by "involvement in situations where children do not need assistance or reassurance, " coupled with expressions of "warmth and responsiveness" that "impede on the appropriate development of young adult independence. " 4 The unwillingness of parents to allow young children to make mistakes or problem-solve may result in long-term incompetency and anxiety.…”