Marriage and the Family Sam Frasher Graham Hoffmanner AP European History Hour 4
The Changing Life of the People
Why did People get Married? 3 basic reasons: 1. Economic, social or political consolidation 2. Personal affection 3. Physical attraction
The Single Life 10-20% of men and women never married Women of appropriate status were scarce Women who were unmarried faced: Social backlash Low pay
Late Marriage Average age: Financial security Peasants waited until the father’s death Laws and tradition
Nuclear Families Quite prevalent in Europe by 1700 Three-generation households were rare
Work Away from Home Boys Labor intensive jobs Older boys had more independence Ideal job – becoming an apprentice Girls Hard work was endless Opportunities were far limited Apprenticeship opportunities Servant – most common job Abuse was common
Questions?