First published in 1928, The Child in Primitive Society examines the place of the child in the history of the less developed societies reaching back as close to social "origins" as is possible. The purpose here is not to enquire into the inner processes of learning, habit formation and acculturation in the child himself, but our aim is rather to examine the social milieu as it impinges upon the child- in other words, the customs and institutions which emerge as the educational systems of society later in the course of development. The purpose is to delineate the gradual trimming or fashioning of a child's social existence by these social forces.

The book discusses various important themes such as primitive notions of the child, the burden of children, the desire for children, infancy and childhood, primitive education, and inheritance and succession. This book is an important historical reference for scholars and researchers of sociology and education.