Baby farming is a term that has been used to describe the practice of taking in unwanted infants and young children by people who are not their biological parents. The practice of baby farming was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it often led to neglect, abuse, and even death of the children involved. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of baby farming.
Definitions
Baby farming is defined as the act of taking in unwanted infants or young children for payment, with the intention of caring for them until they are adopted or sold. The term is often associated with the neglect and abuse of these children, as many baby farmers were unscrupulous and did not provide adequate care.
Origin
The practice of baby farming can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was common for women to take in unwanted infants and young children for payment. However, it was during the 19th and early 20th centuries that baby farming became more widespread, as the increasing urbanization and poverty led to more children being abandoned by their parents.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, baby farming is defined as “the practice of taking in unwanted infants or young children for payment, with the intention of caring for them until they are adopted or sold.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “the practice of taking care of babies for pay, especially in a way that is illegal or cruel.”
Associations
The term baby farming is often associated with neglect, abuse, and even murder of the children involved. Many baby farmers were unscrupulous and did not provide adequate care, leading to high mortality rates among the children. In some cases, baby farmers were also involved in the illegal sale of children.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of baby farming include child trafficking, child selling, and child abandonment. These terms all refer to the practice of taking in unwanted children for payment, with the intention of either caring for them until they are adopted or sold.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for baby farming, as it is a specific term that refers to a particular practice. However, the opposite of baby farming would be the responsible and loving care of children by their biological parents or legal guardians.
The same root words
The root words of baby farming are “baby” and “farming.” The term “baby” refers to a young child or infant, while “farming” refers to the practice of raising crops or animals for food or profit. The term “baby farming” combines these two words to describe the practice of taking in unwanted infants or young children for payment.
Example Sentences
- Baby farming was a common practice in the 19th century, but it led to the neglect and abuse of many children.
- The baby farmer was arrested for selling infants on the black market.
- Many children who were placed in baby farms did not survive due to the lack of proper care.
- The government has implemented stricter laws to prevent the practice of baby farming.
- The baby farming scandal shocked the nation and led to calls for reform in the child welfare system.