Gender in Early Modern England

Exploring the history of gender in England from 1500 to 1700, Gender in Early Modern England reveals the complexities of gender roles and societal changes.

This concise and engaging book delves into the intricate history of gender in England during the period from 1500 to 1700. The second edition has been meticulously revised to incorporate new insights regarding global connections, masculinity, and recent historiographical developments. It provides a comprehensive view of how gender shaped and was shaped by the historical context of the time.

Amid the upheavals of the Reformation and the Civil Wars, gender emerged as a political issue. The distinctions between the sexes and the roles of women were subjects of public discourse, influenced by significant social and economic changes affecting work, family, and marriage. The rich archives of law, state, and family offer a testament to the complex dynamics of patriarchal structures and the resistance they faced. Gender in Early Modern England sheds light on gender relations during a time characterized by a rigid gender hierarchy, yet also marked by remarkable female agency and the potential for challenge and confrontation.

This book includes a variety of documents, such as early feminist writings, legal texts, midwives' manuals, recipes, protest literature, and accounts of cross-dressers and women escaping slavery. With additional resources like a chronology, a who's who, a glossary, and a guide to further reading, Gender in Early Modern England serves as an invaluable resource for students and scholars interested in the history of women and gender in England during this transformative period.