In her book "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman discusses the high rates of infant mortality during that period, which were estimated between one and two out of three infants. This grim reality likely led to diminished emotional investments in children, as the potential for loss made it difficult for parents to form strong attachments. The analogy to overcrowded rodents in captivity suggests that nature may have found a way to suppress the instinct to nurture in response to such dire circumstances.

Tuchman’s exploration of this phenomenon highlights the societal impact of high infant mortality on parental behavior and emotional connections. Families faced with constant sorrow and loss may have psychologically adjusted to mitigate grief, leading to a protective detachment from their offspring. This coping mechanism reflects the broader challenges of the era, where the fragility of life shaped human relationships and societal norms.