Family Structures and Values in Elizabethan England By Jude, Matthew, and Breanna

Day to Day Life

Day to Day Life Socioeconomic Class In Elizabethan England, daily life varied by socioeconomic class Members of the Royal family and aristocrats led lavish lives with many luxuries the common person did not have. Peasants, on the other hand, lived in extreme poverty and often lived short lives due to disease and lack of shelter and clean food or water There were also a sizeable amount of people in the middle class, most of whom were merchants Day to Day Life Socioeconomic Class

Education and Pastimes Most people did not receive a formal education, but those of the nobility did Typically, boys would go to grammar schools to receive an education, while girls would receive a private education at home. To pass the time, people of higher class would attend the theater, play sports like tennis and badminton, and gossip. Peasants and lower class people often did not have the time or means to participate in sports or games Day to Day Life Cont. Education and Pastimes

Occupation and Religion The Elizabethan Era took place after England had officially switched from Catholicism to Protestantism. As a result, most people of the nobility and peasant class practiced Protestantism, though isolated groups still adhered to Catholicism, even though this was illegal. A variety of occupations existed in Elizabethan England, though most peasants were confined to farming or manual labor. The nobility had a larger variety, i.e. lawyers, doctors, and bankers Day to Day Life Cont. Occupation and Religion

Customs of Elizabethan Marriages

Customs of Elizabethan Marriages Marriages were a contract that began with a betrothal The betrothal begins with two people holding hands, the man gives the woman a ring on her right hand which is then switched to the left at the wedding They seal the contract with a kiss and signatures Customs of Elizabethan Marriages

Customs of Elizabethan Marriages Cont. Woman had no choice in who her husband was or might be Females were dependent on males to support them Weddings were always a religious ceremony. Spicy food favored and ale and wine were mostly drank because water was unclean Customs of Elizabethan Marriages Cont.

Family Structure and Values

Family Structure and Values Elizabethans had to attend church every Sunday. Their life was determined by the many laws of the land, but it also dictated the types of clothing they wear. Women were also dominated in the families. They were seen as inferior to men. Men made the decisions and Women were expected to follow. Also only the boys were allowed to go to schools and universities. Family Structure and Values

Family Structure and Values Cont. Children, both male and female, were also expected to be subordinate to their father and mother. Religion played a major role in family life and values. Many of these values were straight from Christianity. Family Structure and Values Cont.

How Does it Compare to Today?

How Does it Compare to Today? For the most part, Family Life and Structure is wildly different now than in Elizabethan times. Though religion still plays a major role in society and in the lives of many, the church is no longer the center of everything. In modern day England, Catholicism and other non-protestant religions are accepted. Everyone receives free education, regardless of class, race, gender, religion, etc. How Does it Compare to Today?

How Does it Compare to Today? Needless to say, a much larger variety of occupations exist today One notable similarity between then and now is the playing of sports, though m0st of the sports of today are different. Most other pastimes of the Elizabethan era have long since been replaced by modern day pastime, with the exception of gossiping, attending shows, etc. Differences in socioeconomic class still exist today, but the type of extreme poverty experienced in Elizabethan times is rare now.

England Rock

1. Life in Elizabethan England: A Compendium of Common Knowledge, elizabethan.org/compendium/. 2. Elizabethan Life, www.elizabethan- era.org.uk/elizabethan-life.htm. 3. Elizabethan Marriages and Weddings, www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-marriages-and- weddings.htm. References