It was in his economic interest to keep women servants…
““It was in his economic interest to keep women servants from marrying or from having sexual relations, because childbearing would interfere with work. Benjamin Franklin, writing as “Poor Richard” in 1736, gave advice to his readers: “Let thy maidservant be faithful, strong and homely.” Servants could not marry without permission, could be separated from their families, could be whipped for various offenses. Pennsylvania law in the seventeenth century said that marriage of servants “without the consent of the Masters . . . shall be proceeded against as for Adultery, or fornication, and Children to be reputed as Bastards.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Historical policies restricted enslaved women's autonomy to maximize labor productivity, reflecting systemic oppression.
In simple terms: Women servants were denied marriage to keep them productive.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge past injustices and their lasting impact.
Themes
history
gender
labor
oppression
Mood
thoughtful
somber
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- colonial economies
- family law
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
slavery
economic exploitation
legal control
Questions to Reflect On
- How do past labor controls affect today's gender equity?
- What legal reforms can prevent similar exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Historical oppression still influences modern labor rights.