Pfarrfrauen im frühneuzeitlichen Est- und Livland
In: Forschungen zur baltischen GeschichteSearch for other papers by Inna Põltsam-Jürjo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
Pastors’ Wifes in Early Modern Estland and Livland
The Lutheran Reformation changed the social position of clergymen. With the dissolution of clerical celibacy, a new phenomenon and institution emerged – the wife of a Lutheran pastor. This article delves into the evolving social role and significance of the Lutheran pastor’s wife in Estonian inhabited areas of Estonia and Livonia from the 16th to 18th century. This represented a noteworthy shift in the role of women in society. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the social expectations formed towards women in this role. It also discusses the impact pastors’ marriages had on the social structure and networks in Estonia and Livonia during the Early Modern Period.