Urban specialization and the family economy. Work patterns of women and children in early modern towns, c. 1600-1800

This paper tries to explain patterns of women’s and children’s work against the background of varying urban economies in the early modern period. Various economic activities, ranging from errand-running to large-scale financial transactions, will be explored and analyzed in the context of specific economic specialization of different towns in Northwestern Europe. Particular attention will be given to the gendered division of work, remuneration and the pooling of family members’ different economic activities.