Child-Rearing Practices and Activities of Children Depicted in Traditional Paintings of the Chosun Period

조선시대 회화에 묘사된 아동의 양육과 생활

This study of child-rearing practices and daily activities of children during the Chosun dynasty was conducted through analysis of 91 traditional paintings of the period. Genre, figure, folk, and landscape paintings were included in the analysis. Findings were that child-rearing was strongly focused on the family. Generally, the mother was shown as the primary caregiver of the child. Grandmother, father, and grandfather also played a role in raising the child. The daily activities of the children consisted of helping with household chores, assisting the elderly, doing small jobs, studying, playing, performing for family members, and participating in family rituals and community events. Differences in child-rearing methods and contents of daily activities varied by gender and socio-economic status.