Discussion Questions
October 2, 2001

1. What is the utility of Greven's study for an understanding of colonial family life?  How 'typical" was Andover and can we (or should we) extrapolate those findings for the rest of colonial America?
2. Does Greven's emphasis on micro studies and detail obscure an understanding of colonial family life?  If so, how?  If not, why not?
3. Overall what is the picture of colonial family life that he draws?
4. Based on the work by Levy, how does religion shape such elements as family life, and wider economic and social relations?
5. What was the relationship of Quaker parents to their children, and what was done to ensure the "success" of children by their parents?
6. What insights into family life do the writing by Winthrop and the documents on children provide?

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