Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Illegitimacy: Sex & Secrecy in the 18th Century
Oct 4, 2024
Historian Kate Gibson, author of *Illegitimacy, Family, and Stigma in England*, dives into the shocking realities of 18th-century illegitimacy. She explores the harsh societal stigma faced by children born out of wedlock and the evolving attitudes towards female sexuality. The discussion highlights the intriguing case of William IV and his illegitimate children, and digs into how historical biases continue to ripple into modern times. Kate also examines the emotional struggles of these children and the impact of changing laws on single mothers.
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Quick takeaways
- The historical stigma of illegitimacy led to significant social and legal consequences for both mothers and their children throughout the centuries.
- Societal attitudes have evolved, yet remnants of stigma and judgment persist, particularly affecting the economic realities of single parents today.
Deep dives
The Stigma of Illegitimacy in History
Illegitimacy has been historically stigmatized, with significant legal and social consequences for both the child and the mother. Until 1987, illegitimate children in Britain faced legal disadvantages, such as the inability to inherit property or gain access to certain welfare benefits. This stigma was profoundly rooted in societal perceptions of morality and family structures, linking illegitimacy to sin and shame. The podcast discusses how such prejudices evolved over centuries, including societal attitudes in the 18th and 19th centuries, revealing the long-standing negative implications for illegitimate individuals.
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