Aries: argues in the Middle Ages (10th to 13th Century), the 'idea of childhood did not exist'. They weren't seen as having different 'nature' or needs from adults once they had passed the stage of physical dependency during infancy. After being weaned, children entered wider society on the same term as adults (working from early age), they were 'mini-adults' with the same rights, duties and skills- the law made no distinction between children and adults, meaning children often faced the same severe punishments as those given to adults.