Infertility in Medieval and Early Modern Europe

Infertility in Medieval and Early Modern Europe: Premodern Views on Childlessness
English | 2022 | ISBN: 3031089766 | 258 Pages | PDF (True) | 4.2 MB
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.