Title: Social and Family Life in the Late17th & Early 18th Centuries | British Literature Wiki
Headings: Social and Family Life in the Late17th & Early 18th Centuries
Social and Family Life in the Late17th & Early 18th Centuries
Introduction
Family Life
Role of Women and Men
Social Life
London and the Job Market
Entertainment
Sports
Media References

Content: Other than widows, not many women owned land, and many daughters certainly did not receive any–so they did not carry an estate with them upon marriage. Also, it was important for families to maintain social status, which meant a daughter was never married to someone of lower standing. Mothers and fathers spent much time searching for the the best possible spouse for their child, in order to benefit the family. As a result, families typically placed a dowry on their daughter, which consisted of a large sum of money. These marriage negotiations were some of the most demanding strains on a mother and father due to a family’s heritage and legacy being at stake. Then came along another problem: The idea of individualism, reason, and romantic sensibility began growing rapidly in the early part of the century leading to daughters wanting to choose their own husbands. For poor families, not nearly as much was at stake when marrying, thus relieving pressure. It was impossible to transfer poverty to one another or to lose any kind of societal status as a result of a marriage, so men and women were free to choose who they wanted. Family Life After Marriage
Many issues and concerns were brought up during the process of arranged marriages.