Call for papers: Historical Perspectives on Infant Care and Child Education. Emmi Pikler, Infant Homes, and the Politics of Child Welfare in 20th Century Hungary
The Conference is organized in collaboration with CEU Democracy Institute,
Österreichische Kulturforum Budapest and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, Kriegsforschung.
This conference aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on the historical and political
dimensions of infant care, child welfare, and family policies in 20th-century Hungary. The
conference will examine the political, social, cultural, and gender dynamics that shaped child-
rearing practices and state interventions in family life. Understanding the professionalization
of childcare requires examining developments from WWI to the present day. This allows for
an examination of the diverse political and ideological regimes that have shaped the childcare
field, as well as the memory politics that continue to influence its trajectory. In this way,
particular emphasis is placed on the life and work of Emmi Pikler (1902–1984), a doctor and
childcare specialist who influenced the evolution of infant care in post-WWII Hungary and
established a highly successful international organization. Although Pikler was one of the most
influential childcare experts in socialist Hungary, her life and work remain largely unexplored
from an interdisciplinary perspective.
We invite researchers, historians, sociologists, psychologists, child welfare and care
professionals to examine the historical development of infant and child care in Hungary, with
a particular focus on Emmi Pikler’s work and the role of infant homes (csecsemőotthonok) in
shaping child protection policies and the care of young children by families. The objective is
to illuminate how child protection systems were shaped by social necessities and political
aspirations, offering invaluable insights into the contemporary challenges in child welfare
policy. Presentations that explore the political implications of child welfare policies, the
interplay between government and society in child welfare, care, and protection, and the impact
of ideologies on childcare systems are highly encouraged.
We welcome proposals that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
Emmi Pikler’s Contributions and Political Context
Examination of Emmi Pikler’s work in the broader political and social context of 20th-century
Hungary, including her influence on national child welfare and child protection policies and
the support or resistance from political actors. The role of the „Lóczy” in sheltering the hidden
infants of political prisoners in the 1950s.
The Functioning of Infant Homes and State Intervention
Historical analysis of how infant homes (csecsemőotthonok) were established and operated,
focusing on the political motivations behind state intervention in family and child welfare,
including the role of public institutions and the changing structure of out-of-home care of
children from dominantly family-based foster care to institutional care.
Child-Rearing Ideologies
Exploration of how political ideologies (such as nationalism, socialism, or conservatism),
traditions, and beliefs shaped child-rearing practices, especially concerning state-supported
institutions for infant care and family-based care of young children.
Health and Welfare Policies in a Political Lens
Investigating the intersection between child health policies, welfare programs, and broader
political agendas. How have political regimes from post-WWI Hungary to the present
influenced healthcare, education, and welfare reforms for children and families?
Nation-Building and Childcare
The role of child-rearing practices and child protection policies in nation-building efforts,
including how children were seen as future citizens and how infant care became part of political
discourse on national strength and identity.
Women’s Roles and Gender Politics
The role of women, particularly mothers and caregivers, in the political discourse surrounding
family and childcare. How did gender politics intersect with state policies on child welfare, and
what have been the expectations placed on women influencing current policies and practices?
How have professional and academic women influenced perceptions, policies, and practices,
with particular attention to research and programs related to children, families, and women's
roles?
The Politics of Poverty and Child Neglect
The state’s approach to dealing with child poverty and neglect including political debates
around state, community versus family, and parental responsibility for children’s welfare and
well-being. How did social class and political ideologies shape policies towards impoverished
families and orphaned or abandoned children?
Comparative Political Perspectives
Comparative studies of how political regimes in Hungary and other European countries
influenced establishing and managing infant homes and broader childcare policies.
Submission Guidelines
We invite individual papers or panel discussions. Proposals should include:
● Full name, institutional affiliation, and contact information of the presenter(s)
● Title of the presentation or panel
● Language of submission: Hungarian OR English
● A 300-word abstract outlining the research topic, methodology, and key findings or
arguments
● Any specific AV or other technical requirements
All proposals should be sent to Mária Herczog (herczogmaria@me.com), Andrea Pető
(petoa@ceu.edu) and Fanni Svégel (svegelfanni@gmail.com) as one Word (doc) or PDF file.
Panel proposals should be sent as one merged file.
Deadline for abstract submission: 1 May, 2025
Notification of acceptance: 15 June, 2025
Submission of papers: September 15, 2025
Conference dates: October 6-8, 2025, at CEU DI
For more information, see the project page (https://democracyinstitute.ceu.edu/emmi-pikler).
