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Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
The Black Death: the Rise of Women, Witches & the Peasant’s Revolt
Oct 13, 2023
Discover how the Black Death in 14th century England led to increased autonomy and opportunities for women. Learn about the challenges of researching women's history and uncovering their forgotten voices. Explore the societal pushback against sex workers and women during the Black Death, and the subsequent pushback on women's rights. Find out about changes in laws surrounding domestic violence and women's involvement in the peasants revolt.
40:34
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Quick takeaways
- The Black Death in the 14th century allowed women to gain autonomy, inherit businesses, and enter different trades due to a decrease in the male population.
- Women healers faced skepticism and exclusion during the Black Death, leading to the eradication of their profession and perpetuating the belief that women were responsible for spreading diseases.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Black Death on Women's Lives
The Black Death in the 14th century had a profound impact on women's roles and opportunities. With a significant decrease in the male population, women were able to inherit businesses, take up leases, and become skilled workers. Elite women enjoyed newfound freedom from male control, while working-class women benefited the most, as they could enter different trades, gain economic independence, and even assume roles of leadership in their communities. However, this liberation was short-lived, as a deliberate pushback occurred when employers sought to lower wages and restrict women's mobility. Additionally, laws were enacted to curb the autonomy and influence of women, such as making it a crime for women to kill their husbands, equating it with petty treason. The Black Death brought both temporary empowerment and subsequent challenges for women in medieval Europe.
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