Final answer:
In preindustrial times, children were seen as economic assets in primitive societies and their upbringing was heavily influenced by religious and social norms, evolving from a laissez-faire attitude to a more structured and disciplined approach as the middle class emerged.
Step-by-step explanation:
During preindustrial times, the perception of children and their upbringing was significantly influenced by religious beliefs and the prevailing economic and social systems. Children in primitive societies were valued as an economic asset due to their contribution to the household and the community but also faced high mortality rates. With the arrival of Christianity, a more spiritual approach to life stages emerged, including a focus on religious education and moral upbringing.
As these societies developed, attitudes towards child rearing began to transform. The likes of Puritans emphasized the importance of an orderly, disciplined, and virtuous life, echoing the belief that good works were a reflection of salvation—extending these principles to their child-rearing practices. In the early nineteenth century, with the rise of the middle class, there was a shift towards valuing education and discipline, leading to a decline in child labor and a new focus on raising children in an environment conducive to their eventual success in life.