Discussion Questions
October 30, 2001
- In her article, Drayton "...forces us to confront
the significance of gender relations in understanding historical
change." Is the article successful in accomplishing that?
If so, how? If not, why not?
- Drayton notes that men ceased to be prosecuted for
premarital sex leading to pregnancy. Why? Why did the
prosecution continue for women?
- Overall how was the mid-18th century society and culture
different from its 17th century counterpart?
- According to Carr and Walsh, what were the basic facts
of life in 17th century Maryland which contributed to social and/or
demographic disruption?
- For a female indentured servant in Maryland, what were
her life possibilities?
- Is there any evidence that Maryland women were more
independent, or less independent, than their English counterparts?
What would account for the differences, if any?
- What changes occurred for 2nd generation Maryland women?
- What is being described by Carr and Walsh is a shift
from an immigrant population to a predominantly native born
population. What did that transition mean in terms of changes in the
position of women?