Pricing the Priceless Child

By Viviana A. Zelizer,

Book cover of Pricing the Priceless Child: The Changing Social Value of Children

Book description

In this landmark book, sociologist Viviana Zelizer traces the emergence of the modern child, at once economically "useless" and emotionally "priceless," from the late 1800s to the 1930s. Having established laws removing many children from the marketplace, turn-of-the-century America was discovering new, sentimental criteria to determine a child's monetary worth.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Pricing the Priceless Child as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Sociologist Viviana Zelizer began the research quest to understand modern American childhood and policies toward children by proposing that how we understand the value of children changed radically in the late nineteenth century. 

By redefining children as emotional assets rather than as economic investmentsas objects of love and caretaking, rather than contributors to the household and public economyAmerican parenting was revolutionized.

This fundamental transformation offers the basis for understanding policy changes, a new commitment to schooling, and other efforts on behalf of children that took root at the turn of the twentieth century.

From Paula's list on understanding American parenting.

If you love Pricing the Priceless Child...

Ad

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS By Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Want books like Pricing the Priceless Child?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Pricing the Priceless Child.

Browse books like Pricing the Priceless Child

Book cover of Huck's Raft: A History of American Childhood
Book cover of The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care
Book cover of Anxious Parents: A History of Modern Childrearing in America

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,593

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Pricing the Priceless Child, you might also like...

Book cover of Kanazawa

Kanazawa By David Joiner,

Emmitt’s plans collapse when his wife, Mirai, suddenly backs out of purchasing their dream home. Disappointed, he’s surprised to discover her subtle pursuit of a life and career in Tokyo.

In his search for a meaningful life in Japan, and after quitting his job, he finds himself helping his mother-in-law…

Book cover of All They Need to Know

All They Need to Know By Eileen Goudge,

On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California mountain town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women who call themselves the Tattooed Ladies. They’re there…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in value in economics, sociology, and parenting?

Sociology 151 books
Parenting 388 books