Abstract
In the early modern Finland, the Catechisms were the only literature intended for children. Otherwise, the children from all classes had to read adults’ literature. Finland was a part of Sweden until 1809 and the reading of Swedish literature was possible especially among the upper classes and even the common people in the Swedish-speaking western coast. Three case studies of Finnish upper-class children from the 17th and the 18th centuries tell us about children’s reading habits, attitudes to reading and reading motivation in this situation. Richard M. Ryan’s & Edward L. Deci’s theory of self-determination has been used as a theoretical basis for this study. It highlights the combination of three basic psychological needs as means to motivation: autonomy, competence and relatedness.
 Autonomy was the most limited during the 17th century and emerged step by step towards the end of the 18th century. Relatedness would depend on circumstances in the family. If the family led an active social life, it would also reflect in the reading habits of the household members. All the children in this research belonged to the upper class, so they could read, and they studied diligently. Therefore, they felt competence. The relatives exhorted them in studying, which still increased their self-confidence. Motivation was mostly external at the beginning, but in some cases it gradually grew towards internal motivation. According to these cases, upper-class girls were freer to read what they liked than boys. Comparing to boys they were less educated, but at the same time they experienced less pressure to make progress in literary reading. If the domestic duties permitted, they would be able to use their free time for reading fiction. Boys had to concentrate on thinking about their future careers and subjects relevant to that.
Highlights
Not even catechisms were intended for children, though there already were children’s catechisms available
The emergence of autonomy reflected the change in the role of children during the 18th century
If the family had lively social life, it would reflect in the reading habits of family members
Summary
Skaitymas tarp aukštesniosios klasės vaikų Suomijoje XVII ir XVIII a. Aukštesniosios klasės suomių vaikus byloja apie vaikų skaitymo įpročius, požiūrį į skaitymą ir motyvaciją skaityti. Remiantis šiais atvejais galima teigti, kad aukštesniosios klasės mergaitės turėjo daugiau laisvės skaityti tai, kas joms patinka, nei berniukai. It was written in Swedish by Archbishop Jacob Tengström for his own children This little booklet became popular in Finland because of its modern approach to teaching reading, it was only translated into Finnish in the 19th century, and even in the eastern (Savo) dialect. As children’s literature was scarce or non-existent, in the beginning children had to read books intended for adults. Even the publishing of children’s literature failed to prevent children from reading adults’ books, if permitted by their parents. There are different reasons for reading and they are not always, if ever easy to analyse.[3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
