Description du livre
Working Life of Women in the Seventeenth Century by Alice Clark is a pioneering historical study that delves into the economic and social roles of women in England during the 1600s. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, including diaries, court records, and contemporary literature, Clark meticulously reconstructs the varied occupations and daily experiences of women across different social classes. The book explores the impact of the rise of capitalism, the decline of the domestic system, and the growth of industry on women’s work, highlighting how these changes both created opportunities and imposed new restrictions. Clark examines women’s participation in agriculture, crafts, trade, and domestic service, as well as their involvement in family businesses and the management of households. She also addresses the legal and cultural constraints that shaped women’s lives, such as marriage laws, property rights, and educational limitations. Through vivid case studies and detailed analysis, Clark challenges the notion that women were merely passive dependents, instead revealing their agency, resilience, and essential contributions to the economy and society. Working Life of Women in the Seventeenth Century remains a foundational text in women’s history, offering a nuanced and comprehensive portrait of women’s labor and its transformation during a period of profound social change.