Call for Essay Submissions: The Emotional Household in Europe, 1400-1800

As part of an on-going Australian Research Council grant (2003-2007) in History at The University of Western Australia, which explores ‘Fragmented Families and Household Dynamics in Europe, 1400-1800’, the project team, Philippa Maddern, Pamela Sharpe, Susan Broomhall and Stephanie Tarbin, is inviting papers to form part of an edited collection of essays specifically examining affective relationships within the household environment in Continental Europe from 1400 to 1800.

We are seeking essays which inform, and participate in, current debates about methodological and theoretical approaches as to how to uncover and explore affective relationships and emotional bonds between household members. Essays may address such issues as what kinds of affective relationships exist in the household, how are these sustained while a variety of kin and non-related individuals live under one roof, and what evidence do we have for their continuation and maintenance beyond, or after individuals leave, the household domain? How are such relationships affected by gender, social, cultural, religious, geographical, economic, status and other particular contexts? Households of all social levels are of interest.

Studies examining affective relationships beyond couples, parents and children, and siblings, but which concern their relationships and emotional bonds with (for example):

• Servants
• Lodgers
• Apprentices
• Wet-nursed elite, orphan or foundling children
• Nursed, disabled or elderly household residents
• Domestic pets
• Elite child boarders
• Step-families

As well as these individuals’ relationships with each other within the household space, would be of interest. Essays should preferably demonstrate the methodological and theoretical possibilities for exploring such issues through examination of particular case studies. Other possibilities for essay scope can be considered however and we encourage any scholar interested in the general aims of this collection to contact us.

Please email or send a 300-word essay proposal as well as a brief survey of your research publications and interests by April 10, 2004 to the collection editor: