Gender and Divorce in Europe: 1600 - 1900: A Praxeological Perspective

Getting divorced and remarried is common in European societies, with civil marriage law still echoing religious marriage law. This book explores handwritten documents of divorce proceedings from the British Isles to Western, Central, and Southeastern Europe from 1600 to the 1930s, revealing the arguments and strategies put forward to obtain or prevent divorce and the social and economic conditions and arrangements connected with it. It also shows that the gender order doesn't always run along religious lines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Divorce and remarriage have become prevalent practices in European societies, with varying legal regulations across countries. Civil marriage law still reflects religious marriage laws, which historically determined marriage eligibility and the termination of marriages. Different religions and denominations had their own rules regarding divorce and remarriage during the lifetime of a divorced spouse. This book explores a collection of predominantly handwritten divorce proceedings from the British Isles to Western, Central, and Southeastern Europe, spanning from 1600 to the 1930s. Through a praxeological analysis, it uncovers the arguments and strategies employed in divorce proceedings, as well as the social and economic conditions surrounding them. The contributions to this book break new ground by combining previously separate fields of research and regions of investigation. It challenges the notion that the gender order always follows religious lines, highlighting the complexities and diversity of marital arrangements throughout history.
This book appeals to scholars and students of economic, social, religious, cultural, legal, and gender history, as well as gender and well-being in a broader sense. It provides valuable insights into the dynamics of divorce, gender roles, and social structures, shedding light on the past and contributing to our understanding of contemporary society.

Weight: 621g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032369327