This paper highlights some historical, economic and cultural influences that can be observed along the structuring of the field of Child Psychology. Some social needs, such as the problem of the infantile mortality, school failure and cultural adjustments problems due to wars and immigration, demanded the offer of services and professionalization, in order to offer guidances regarding the upbringing and the education of children. The approaches and theories existing today in Child Psychology, characterized by dispersal and diversity, can be better understood if inserted in their respective socio-cultural birthplace.
Child Psychology; Historical; Economic and cultural influences; Psychological approaches; Guidances of children