Ellen Key

Ellen Key (December 11, 1849 – April 25, 1926) was a Swedish difference feminist writer on many subjects in the fields of family life, ethics and education, but she is best known for her influential and much translated book Barnets århundrade (1900), translated into English as The Century of the Child. Key was a leading intellectual figure in the Modern Breakthrough movement and a major influence on the development of Swedish social democracy. Her ideas were considered radical in their time but have since been integrated into mainstream thought.

Key advocated for a child-centered approach to education, emphasizing the importance of individual development and creativity over rote learning and strict discipline. She believed that children should be allowed to grow at their own pace and to pursue their own interests. She was also a strong advocate for women's rights and for social reform more broadly, arguing for improved working conditions, universal suffrage, and greater equality in all aspects of life.

Key’s writings influenced educational practices and social policy in many countries. Her focus on the emotional and intellectual needs of children and her emphasis on the importance of individual freedom and self-expression continue to resonate with educators and social reformers today. She was a prolific writer, publishing numerous essays, articles, and books throughout her career. Key's work often explored the relationship between the individual and society, and she argued for a more humane and just world where everyone could reach their full potential.