Children’s Morality Code of 1916
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Shifting Paradigms in Children's Moral Education
This chapter examines the historical proposals and contentious practices regarding children's moral education in the 20th century, particularly the state's role in determining who is deemed educable. It highlights the implications of these ideas, their connections to the eugenics movement, and the evolution of the Children's Morality Code, all while addressing the emotional journeys of those facing significant health challenges.
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In 1916, the National Institution for Moral Instruction had a contest to see who could come up with the best morality code. For kids. Evolving views on childhood, child labor laws, patriotism, and eugenics influenced this effort.
Research:
- “$5000 Prize Winners Announced Oct. 1” Dean Bennion in Race.” Daily Utah Chronicle. April 23, 1917. https://www.newspapers.com/image/289878324/?match=1&terms=%22Morality%20Code%22%20winner
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- “VERIFIED AND REVISED CHILDREN’S MORALITY CODE.” The Journal of Education, vol. 100, no. 5 (2491), 1924, pp. 130–32. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42750282
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- Yarrow, Andrew L. “History of U.S. Children’s Policy, 1900-Present.” First Focus. April 2009. https://firstfocus.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Childrens-Policy-History.pdf
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