Children as Chattel

I'm beginning a deeper inquiry into the historical development of the legal status of children. I'm excited to encounter their treatment as adults (depicted in art museums), their status as nothing more than chattel and the development of their custody.

As the patriarchal household met its demise, children moved from being property of the household (and necessarily the father head of house), to the assumed custody of mothers. There is a significant modern trend among fathers displaced by maternal custody trying to regain some status -- equal at least -- in the lives of their children.

Hopefully in the weeks that come I will have more interesting tid-bits to include, as this area is fascinating.