Infertility in Medieval and Early Modern Europe

Infertility in Medieval and Early Modern Europe Synopsis

This book examines discourses around infertility and views of childlessness in medieval and early modern Europe. ?Whereas in our own time reproductive behaviour is regulated by demographic policy in the interest of upholding the intergenerational contract, premodern rulers strove to secure the succession to their thrones and preserve family heritage. Regardless of status, infertility could have drastic consequences, above all for women, and lead to social discrimination, expulsion, and divorce.

Rather than outlining a history of discrimination against or the suffering of infertile couples, this book explores the mechanisms used to justify the unequal treatment of persons without children. Exploring views on childlessness across theology, medicine, law, demonology, and ethics, it undertakes a comprehensive examination of 'fertility' as an identity category from the perspective of new approaches in gender and intersectionality research. Shedding light on how premodern views have shaped understandings our own time, this book is highly relevant interest to students and scholars interested in discourses around infertility across history. 

About This Edition

ISBN:	9783031089763
Publication date:	24th November 2022
Author:	Regina Toepfer
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan an imprint of Springer International Publishing
Format:	Hardback
Pagination:	207 pages
Genres:	Social and cultural history Gender studies, gender groups Population and demography European history: medieval period, middle ages European history