Ellen Key 
The Century of the Child 

Ellen Key’s 'The Century of the Child’ explores the importance of children’s education and upbringing in shaping the future of society. Key argues for a shift in focus from the needs of adults to the needs of children, emphasizing the crucial role of childhood as a foundation for a better world. Written in a persuasive and engaging style, the book serves as a landmark work in the history of educational philosophy, advocating for the recognition of children as autonomous individuals with specific rights and needs. Key’s visionary ideas continue to resonate in modern discussions on childhood and education. Through her insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Key challenges readers to reevaluate their perceptions of childhood and prioritize the well-being and development of future generations. 'The Century of the Child’ is a must-read for anyone interested in the transformative power of education and the vital role of children in shaping society.

O autorze

Ellen Key (1849–1926) was a Swedish feminist, writer, and educator, renowned for her contribution to child-rearing, educational theory, and the peace movement. Her seminal work, 'The Century of the Child’ (1900), in which she envisioned the 20th century as a period where the rights, education, and wellbeing of children would gain unprecedented attention and importance, underlines her progressive view on childhood development. Key embraced a unique literary style that combined a romantic idealism with practical approaches to pedagogy, placing the needs and nature of the child at the forefront of societal progress. Her ideas were controversial and ahead of their time, emphasizing the individual value of each child and advocating for a child-centered approach to education, free from authoritarianism and rote learning. Ellen Key’s influence resonated not just in Sweden but also internationally, as her works were translated into several languages, educating and inspiring reformers worldwide. She remains an important figure in the fields of child psychology and educational reform, and her writings continue to be pertinent and studied for their pioneering insights into the nurturing of the next generation.