Unequal voices: emotions, agency and family hierarchies in the correspondence of the Hengrave siblings, 1567–71
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article examines an exchange of letters to reveal how age, gender and social status shaped early modern family hierarchies. A tense episode began when Susan Bourchier left the house of her eldest half-brother, Thomas Kitson, despite being unmarried and dependent on him for financial support. Thomas’s resultant anger required careful negotiation between Susan, Thomas and their half-brother Henry. A close analysis of their language reveals the emotional practices used to negotiate family relationships, thus offering a unique insight on strategies available for young women to enact agency while navigating the divided patriarchal power of a blended family network.
Source: Historical Research
Author: Maria Cannon
Institution: University of Portsmouth
Language: English
Topic: History of Emotions Research
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,350
OpenAlex ID: W7140282722
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