Family Structure During The Shakespearean Era

Shakespearean Family Structure The Shakespearean Era, also referred to as the Elizabethan Era, took place during the mid 1500’s throughout 1600. Family structure at the time had a norm, "... each nuclear family was made up of a mother, father, and unmarried children,” (Young). Fathers were considered the master of the family, below, the mother, then followed by the children. “…with the father at the head, assisted by the mother, and with children and servants accepting the father and mother as ‘governors’ and themselves as subjects,” (Young). Families had to work as one unit, not separate beings, in order to thrive in their community. While the members in a nuclear family midst Shakespeare's time are similar to today’s, their roles and structure

"The father, it was believed, served as head of the family by the appointment of nature and God. But he was not to misuse his authority and in fact was supposed to govern his family for the good of all and especially to provide physically and spiritually for his children,” (Young). The man of the house was presumed to assist his family in all matters; financially with food and goods, and religiously keeping his family close to God. Men acquired any land or money to his wife’s name when married. Wife beating was common and marriage was not considered to include personal affection. Almost identical to todays standards, husbands may be assumed the head of the house and to assist his family, yet on the other hand, it is not accepted to beat women or children. Also, marriage today is hypothetically to involve two people who love each other and work to make one another happy. In the Elizabethan Era, marriage could possibly just be had in order to benefit the father of the bride and and his soon to be son-in

The nuclear family throughout history is consistent. Each home is comprised of parents and children. Today, the gender roles have changed and been accepted by many. For instance, recently it has been made possibly for two men or women to marry and have a family, where in history this was frowned upon. Also, women have become stronger individuals who ordinarily have jobs the same as men. Childhood nowadays is looked at as a time to enjoy yourself with no worries, where in the past this was the beginning of your whole life. Children are not expected to get jobs and learn how to run a house; they are supposed to play and not have a worry on their mind. Family relationships have continued to be a crucial part of every person’s life. From Shakespearean Time to the 21st Century, a nuclear family subsists of parents and their children, but fortunately their roles and identities have changed. Thankfully, family’s uphold to be a unit working together, with roles that have amended to keep equality, and a positive existence for all