It is precise to recognize our debt to childhood

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, the most peaceful and socially advanced or developed countries are those that have invested or invest more percentage points of the Gross Domestic Product to ensure the development and enjoyment of childhood (Norway, Slovenia, Finland, Netherlands and Sweden), according to the child risk measure. This article aims to reflect on situations that have given rise to a historical debt to childhood and a disadvantaged asymmetry between the child and the adult. This gives rise to serious future issues on the social, moral, ethical, political and labor levels. Topics of reflection. It is appropriate to recognize that the ultimate goal of a country’s socioeconomic development is to achieve stable, lasting peace; a society in which there are no enemies, people respect the environment, and anticipate and mitigate natural disasters and hazards as much as possible. To do so, it is necessary to educate men and women responsible for building and maintaining this social state. Ensuring the health, education, enjoyment and full development of children secures this purpose. Investment in childhood is perhaps the most important factor to bring about the overall development of a country. James Heckman, awarded the Nobel prize in Economics, has conducted research that shows there is no socially valid investment better than the investment in childhood. Profitability would be given, among other things, by the level of education achieved, entrepreneurship, employment and job performance, a decrease in subsidies and crime, and an increase in tax collection. These results are valid not only for the United States, but can logically and rationally be extrapolated to any country in the world. Conclusions. A generous investment in childhood is the most important element in preventing war and building peace. Caring and loving support of children in which their essential needs of affection, health, education, food, housing and recreation are satisfied will pay off in more resilient men and women, in whom empathy, generosity, solidarity, security and confidence will dissipate the need to turn natural aggressiveness and competition into violence. [Cala-Vecino J. It is necessary to acknowledge our debt to childhood. MedUNAB. 2018;21(2):69-76. doi:10.29375/01237047.3451]