In many societies, childhood is seen as a time of innocence, free from the burdens and complexities of adulthood. It’s a time of frivolity and joy and is often depicted nostalgically in literature and art. However, the realities of childhood have not always reflected this depiction. Childhood and its experiences depended on a variety of factors during the Gilded Age, class being one of the most prominent. The photography set in this inquiry exercise shows the stark contrast between how childhood was experienced by different classes – from children who were able to indulge in play to those who