Women, Work, and Life Cycle in a Medieval Economy: Women in York and Yorkshire c.1300-1520 / Edition 420

by P. J. P. Goldberg

Overview

This is an innovative analysis of the relationship between women's economic opportunity and marriage in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It is based on an intensive study of York and Yorkshire, but also utilizes evidence from other parts of England and continental Europe. P.J.P. Goldberg explores the role of women in the economy and the part that marriage played in their lives. Importantly, he challenges the Wrigley and Schofield thesis of nuptiality: his analysis of the demography of marriage demonstrates that in late medieval Yorkshire women participated strongly in the labor force, deferring marriage or avoiding it entirely. This is a stimulating and intelligent book, which makes an important contribution to our understanding of medieval ways of life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198201540
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/31/1992
Series:	Oxford University Press Academic Monograph Reprints
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	420
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 5.50(h) x 1.06(d)

About the Author

University of York

Editorial Reviews

"This is a carefully crafted study worth taking seriously."—American Historical Review

"In this important and long-awaited study, P. J. P. Goldberg fully presents his innovative thesis about the interaction of economy and demography in pre-industrial England...A distinguished research scholar, Goldberg has uncovered much useful information about late-medieval York."—Albion

"Goldberg has written a book that social and economic historians regardless of time and place should read for its meticulous and self-conscious method as well as for its careful and convincing argument."—Business History Review

"Goldberg's work makes its greatest contribution, not in its tables, but in its narrative, where the author is allowed his full voice to weigh his evidence with all the care and sensitivity he undoubtedly possesses."—Speculum

"[Goldberg's] study has significance that extends far beyond its limited geographical base. It is grounded in an exceptionally thorough analysis...[A] major contribution to our understanding of women's work and marriage in European history."—Journal of Interdisciplinary History

From the Publisher