Posted: February 9th, 2023

Marriage and family in early medieval France

Marriage and family in early medieval France
Marriage and family in early medieval France were central institutions that played a significant role in shaping social and economic relationships within society. During this time period, which spans from the 5th to the 11th century, marriage was primarily a political and economic arrangement, rather than a romantic one. It was used to forge alliances and consolidate power between different families and regions.
A major aspect of early medieval French marriage was the concept of consanguinity, or the degree of blood relationship between two individuals. Marriages between close relatives were prohibited by the Church, and incest was considered a serious crime. However, marriages between second cousins or more distant relatives were considered acceptable. This was because these marriages helped to keep property and wealth within the family.
Another important aspect of early medieval French marriage was the dowry system. A dowry was a sum of money or property that a bride’s family would provide to the groom and his family as part of the marriage contract. This money and property would then be used to support the new couple and their future children. The dowry system helped to ensure that the bride’s family would be able to provide for their daughter, while also strengthening the financial position of the groom’s family.
In terms of family structure, early medieval French society was patriarchal, with men holding the majority of power and authority. The head of the household, usually the father or the eldest male, was responsible for making decisions and managing the family’s property and wealth. Women, on the other hand, were expected to be submissive and obedient to their husbands and fathers.
Despite these patriarchal societal norms, there were some examples of women who held significant power and influence within their families and communities. For example, queens and noblewomen often wielded political power and played important roles in the administration of their territories. They also had the ability to manage their own property and wealth, and make independent decisions regarding their lives and the lives of their children.
Marriage and family in early medieval France were primarily political and economic institutions that played a central role in shaping societal relationships. The concept of consanguinity and the dowry system helped to regulate and strengthen these relationships, while patriarchal societal norms established the dominance of men within the family structure. However, there were examples of women who held significant power and influence within their families and communities.

Works Cited
Duby, Georges. The Early Growth of the European Economy: Warriors and Peasants from the Seventh to the Twelfth Century. Cornell University Press, 1974.
Le Goff, Jacques. The Medieval Imagination. Translated by Arthur Goldhammer, University of Chicago Press, 1988.
Leyser, Karl. Medieval Women: A Social History of Women in England 450-1500. Phoenix, 1996.
Stafford, Pauline. Queens, Concubines and Dowagers: The King’s Wife in the Early Middle Ages. Continuum, 1983.