Women in Medieval European Society

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a balanced representation of the position of women in medieval society. The paper analyzes the three classes of women, as throughout history, class has been the determinant factor contributing to social place, responsibility, and opportunity. Women of the nobility, middle-class, and peasant status are discussed with regard to their position in society. The status of women in these three classes is explored in accordance with legal, as well as customary, tradition in an attempt to reduce generalizations and falsehoods.

From the Paper:

"Within our society there is a fascination with the special position of women in nearly every period of history. Perhaps this fascination with the past is rooted in our constant hope to prove social progress. "Social history aids in understanding women's condition in any age; it is particularly essential for comprehending women in the Middle Ages, an era remote enough from our own so that common social presumptions do not pertain." The danger then becomes a tendency to generalize a condition that is somehow much worse than our present social position. The necessity of the historian is to offer a responsible representation of history. Women throughout history have been dominated by the customs of their status and also the legality of there state. Yet, it remains to be proven, without contention that the real lives of women were better of worse, at any given period in history, unless the template for such judgment is based upon modern idealistic ideas of social reform and civil liberties."

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